Multiple Intelligence Theory

What does it mean to be intelligent? Is it number crunching ability? Verbal skills? Street smarts? Traditionally, psychologists have defined intelligence as the ability to deal effectively with the environment including the ability to reason and solve problems. Intelligence tests were developed to measure general reasoning and problem-solving ability. In 1983, Harvard psychologist, Howard Gardner proposed a radical new theory of intelligence that included much more than cognitive or reasoning ability.

According to Gardner, there are multiple forms of intelligence, or many ways of being smart. In addition to the verbal and mathematical abilities assessed by standard intelligence tests, Gardner proposed that there are several other forms of intelligence. Specifically, there are at least seven forms of intelligence, or seven areas of intellectual ability.

Multiple Intelligences

Verbal-linguistic intelligence refers to language ability, sensitivity to language and vocabulary, and the ability to follow the rules of grammar with ease. Persons who have a great deal of verbal-linguistic intelligence understand the many functions of language. They know how to use language to excite, stimulate, convince, and to convey information.

Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to think logically, mathematically, and scientifically. Persons who are high in logical-mathematical intelligence have the ability to reason abstractly and complexly. They are driven to solve problems and to understand and explain the nature of our world.

Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to understand oneself. Persons who score high in intrapersonal intelligence have an accurate understanding of themselves and use this understanding to operate effectively in day-to-day life. They understand their emotions and are highly attuned to them.

Interpersonal intelligence is a form of social understanding. Persons with interpersonal intelligence have the ability to read others' moods, temperaments, motivations, and intentions. They understand others and can use their understanding to influence others and enhance their daily experiences.

Musical-rhythmic intelligence is the ability to understand and use musical elements such as pitch, rhythm, and timbre. It includes the ability to play musical instruments, compose music, and analyze and appreciate the elements of music.

Visual-spatial intelligence encompasses the ability to perceive and depict the world accurately. Persons with visual-spatial intelligence can sense themselves in space and have a good sense of direction. Visual-spatial intelligence also includes the artistic and representational abilities of painters, sculptors, and artists. Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the ability to control bodily movements and to handle objects skillfully. Dancers, athletes, and actors exhibit bodily-kinesthetic intelligence.

New Forms of Intelligence

Garner proposed that there might be many more forms of intelligence, as yet undiscovered. For example, just recently, Gardner added an eighth form of intelligence: naturalistic intelligence. Naturalistic intelligence is the ability to understand the world of nature. It includes the ability to relate to, categorize, comprehend, and explain various aspects of nature including plants, animals, and settings. In the coming years, Gardner's list of intelligences may continue to grow.

Attention to Individual Differences

Crucial to the theory of multiple intelligences is the understanding that each of the areas of intelligence is universal. Each has its foundations in biology and we all exhibit at least small amount of each intelligence. However, we differ in the degree to which we manifest each intelligence and how we express each. Therefore, we all have a different combination of abilities, or a unique pattern of strengths and weaknesses. It's impossible to place everyone on a single line for comparison. Gardner's theory implies that comparison among and competition between people is meaningless. The question is not longer, "Are you smart?" Instead, it has become, "How are you smart?"

Applying Multiple Intelligence Theory

Parents and educators have embraced Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences because it emphasizes sensitivity to individual differences and is a much more egalitarian approach to understanding intelligence. Applying the theory within a classroom context means that teachers are free to promote artistic expression, interpersonal communication, and body movement abilities in addition to the standard reading, writing, and arithmetic.

Programs that incorporate multiple intelligence theory focus on creating opportunities for students to explore the range of intellectual abilities, opportunities to develop talents in areas of intellectual strengths and to use strengths by addressing them directly in the curriculum.