Multiple Intelligences

The Theory… Originally proposed by psychologist Howard Gardner  1983 More accurately defines the concept of intelligence Addresses the question whether methods which claim to measure intelligence (or aspects thereof) are truly scientific

The Theory… Argues that intelligence, particularly as it is traditionally defined, does not sufficiently encompass the wide variety of abilities humans display A child who masters multiplication easily is not necessarily more “intelligent” overall than a child who struggles to do so

The Theory… According to multiple intelligence theory, there are nine basic types of intelligence There are seven major intelligences The last two intelligences are not always included

Logical-Mathematical Has to do with logic, abstractions, reasoning, and numbers There’s an emphasis on reasoning capabilities, abstract patterns of recognition, scientific thinking and investigation, complex calculations It correlates strongly with traditional concepts of "intelligence" or IQ

Verbal - Linguistic Has to do with words, spoken or written People with high verbal-linguistic intelligence display a facility with words and languages They learn foreign languages very easily, good at reading, writing, telling stories & memorizing words and dates

Bodily-Kinaesthetic Control of one's bodily motions and capacity to handle objects skillfully Also includes a sense of timing, a clear sense of the goal of a physical action, along with the ability to train responses so they become like reflexes They learn best by doing something physically, rather than reading or hearing about it

Visual-Spatial Deals with spatial judgement and the ability to visualize with the mind's eye They are also good with puzzles

Musical-Rhythmic Has to do with rhythm, music, and hearing They display greater sensitivity to sounds, rhythms, tones, and music Language skills are typically highly developed and they will sometimes use songs or rhythms to learn

Interpersonal Has to do with interaction with others Tend to be extroverts They are characterized by their sensitivity to others' moods, feelings, temperaments and motivations, and their ability to cooperate in order to work as part of a group

Intrapersonal Has to do with introspective and self-reflective capacities Typically introverted Refers to having a deep understanding of the self

Naturalistic One of the two “other” intelligences Has to do with nature, nurturing and relating information to one’s natural surroundings

Existential The second of the two “other” intelligences Sensitivity and capacity to tackle deep questions about human existence, such as the meaning of life, why do we die, and how did we get here