Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences
When you hear the word intelligence, the concept of IQ testing may immediately come to mind. Intelligence is often defined as our intellectual potential; something we are born with, something that can be measured, and a capacity that is difficult to change. In recent years, however, other views of intelligence have emerged. One such conception is the theory of multiple intelligences proposed by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner.
Theory of Multiple Intelligences
This theory suggests that traditional psychometric views of intelligence are too limited. Gardner first outlined his theory in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, where he suggested that all people have different kinds of "intelligence."
Gardner proposed that there are eight bits of intelligence, and has suggested the possible addition of a ninth known as "existentialist intelligence."
In order to capture the full range of abilities and talents that people possess, Gardner theorizes that people do not have just an intellectual capacity, but have many kinds of intelligence, including musical, interpersonal, spatial-visual, and linguistic intelligence.
While a person might be particularly strong in a specific area, such as musical intelligence, he or she most likely possesses a range of abilities. For example, an individual might be strong in verbal, musical, and naturalistic intelligence.
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
People who are strong in visual-spatial intelligence are good at visualizing things. These individuals are often good with directions as well as maps, charts, videos, and pictures.
Strengths
Visual and spatial judgment
Characteristics
People with visual-spatial intelligence:
Read and write for enjoyment
Are good at putting puzzles together
Interpret pictures, graphs, and charts well
Enjoy drawing, painting, and the visual arts
Recognize patterns easily
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Architect
Artist
Engineer
Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence
People who are strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence are able to use words well, both when writing and speaking. These individuals are typically very good at writing stories, memorizing information, and reading.
Strengths
Words, language, and writing
Characteristics
People with linguistic-verbal intelligence:
Remember written and spoken information
Enjoy reading and writing
Debate or give persuasive speeches
Are able to explain things well
Use humour when telling stories
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Writer/journalist
Lawyer
Teacher
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
People who are strong in logical-mathematical intelligence are good at reasoning, recognizing patterns, and logically analyzing problems. These individuals tend to think conceptually about numbers, relationships, and patterns.
Strengths
Analyzing problems and mathematical operations
Characteristics
People with logical-mathematical intelligence:
Have excellent problem-solving skills
Enjoy thinking about abstract ideas
Like conducting scientific experiments
Can solve complex computations
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Scientist
Mathematician
Computer programmer
Engineer
Accountant
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Those who have high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are said to be good at body movement, performing actions, and physical control. People who are strong in this area tend to have excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity.
Strengths
Physical movement, motor control
Characteristics
People with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:
Are skilled at dancing and sports
Enjoy creating things with his or her hands
Have excellent physical coordination
Remember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Dancer
Builder
Sculptor
Actor
Musical Intelligence
People who have strong musical intelligence are good at thinking in patterns, rhythms, and sounds. They have a strong appreciation for music and are often good at musical composition and performance.
Strengths
Rhythm and music
Characteristics
People with musical intelligence:
Enjoy singing and playing musical instruments
Recognize musical patterns and tones easily
Remember songs and melodies
Have a rich understanding of musical structure, rhythm, and notes
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in musical intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Musician
Composer
Singer
Music teacher
Conductor
Interpersonal Intelligence
Those who have strong interpersonal intelligence are good at understanding and interacting with other people. These individuals are skilled at assessing the emotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them.
Strengths
Understanding and relating to other people
Characteristics
People with interpersonal intelligence:
Communicate well verbally
Are skilled at nonverbal communication
See situations from different perspectives
Create positive relationships with others
Resolve conflicts in group settings
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Psychologist
Philosopher
Counselor
Salesperson
Politician
Intrapersonal Intelligence
Individuals who are strong in intrapersonal intelligence are good at being aware of their own emotional states, feelings, and motivations. They tend to enjoy self-reflection and analysis, including daydreaming, exploring relationships with others, and assessing their personal strengths.
Strengths
Introspection and self-reflection
Characteristics
People with intrapersonal intelligence:
Analyze their strengths and weaknesses well
Enjoy analyzing theories and ideas
Have excellent self-awareness
Understand the basis for his or her own motivations and feelings
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in intrapersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Philosopher
Writer
Theorist
Scientist
Naturalistic Intelligence
Naturalistic is the most recent addition to Gardner’s theory and has been met with more resistance than his original seven bits of intelligence. According to Gardner, individuals who are high in this type of intelligence are more in tune with nature and are often interested in nurturing, exploring the environment, and learning about other species. These individuals are said to be highly aware of even subtle changes to their environments.1
Strengths
Finding patterns and relationships to nature
Characteristics
People with naturalistic intelligence:
Are interested in subjects such as botany, biology, and zoology
Categorize and catalogue information easily
Enjoy camping, gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoors
Dislikes learning unfamiliar topics that have no connection to nature
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in naturalistic intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Biologist
Conservationist
Gardener
Farmer
Criticism
Gardner’s theory has come under criticism from both psychologists and educators. These critics argue that Gardner’s definition of intelligence is too broad and that his eight different "intelligence" simply represent talents, personality traits, and abilities. Gardner’s theory also suffers from a lack of supporting empirical research.
Despite this, the theory of multiple intelligences enjoys considerable popularity with educators. Many teachers utilize multiple intelligences in their teaching philosophies and work to integrate Gardner’s theory into the classroom.
Learning more about the multiple intelligences can help you better understand your own strengths. Continue reading to learn more about the major characteristics of each type of intelligence, and if you still aren't sure which type describes you best, this quiz can help you figure it out.