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 "intelligences." Gardner proposed that there are eight intelligences, 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 intelligences.
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.
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 "intelligences" 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.
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
Strengths: Visual and spatial judgment
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.
Characteristics of visual-spatial intelligence include:
Enjoys reading and writing
Good at putting puzzles together
Good at interpreting pictures, graphs, and charts
Enjoys drawing, painting, and the visual arts
Recognizes 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
Strengths: Words, language, and writing
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.
Characteristics of linguistic-verbal intelligence include:
Good at remembering written and spoken information
Enjoys reading and writing
Good at debating or giving persuasive speeches
Able to explain things well
Often uses humor 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
Strengths: Analyzing problems and mathematical operations
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.
Characteristics of logical-mathematical intelligence include:
Excellent problem-solving skills
Enjoys thinking about abstract ideas
Likes conducting scientific experiments
Good at solving 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
Strengths: Physical movement, motor control
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.
Characteristics of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence include:
Good at dancing and sports
Enjoys creating things with his or her hands
Excellent physical coordination
Tends to 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
Strengths: Rhythm and music
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.
Characteristics of musical intelligence include:
Enjoys singing and playing musical instruments
Recognizes musical patterns and tones easily
Good at remembering songs and melodies
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
Strengths: Understanding and relating to other people
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.
Characteristics of interpersonal intelligence include:
Good at communicating verbally
Skilled at nonverbal communication
Sees situations from different perspectives
Creates positive relationships with others
Good at resolving conflict in groups
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Psychologist
Philosopher
Counselor
Salesperson
Politician
Intrapersonal Intelligence
Strengths: Introspection and self-reflection
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.
Characteristics
Characteristics of intrapersonal intelligence include:
Good at analyzing his or her strengths and weaknesses
Enjoys analyzing theories and ideas
Excellent self-awareness
Clearly understands 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
Strengths: Finding patterns and relationships to nature
Naturalistic is the most recent addition to Gardner’s theory and has been met with
more resistance than his original seven intelligences. 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.
Characteristics of naturalistic intelligence include:
Interested in subjects such as botany, biology, and
zoology
Good at categorizing and cataloging information easily
May enjoy camping, gardening, hiking, and exploring the
outdoors
Doesn’t enjoy 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
