Frames Of Mind: Multiple Intelligences

Howard Gardner introduced the theory of multiple intelligences stating that each person possesses a blend of at least eight different kinds of intelligence: verbal/linguistic, logical/mathematical, visual/spatial, bodily/kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and environmental/naturalistic (Bruno, 2009).

In “A Rounded Version: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences”, Howard Gardner illustrates how there are a variety of intelligences. Gardner starts off with an example how IQ tests may predict achievement in school but may not predict achievement in life. After finding out certain parts of the brain are responsible for certain functions, such as “Broca’s Area” which is responsible for sentence production, Gardner proposes the existence of multiple intelligences. Multiple studies later led him to propose seven distinct intelligences; Musical, bodily-kinesthetic, logical-mathematical, linguistic, spatial, interpersonal, and intrapersonal. Each intelligence has certain classifications. According to Gardner’s classifications, I realized my intelligences are bodily-kinesthetic, logical-mathematical, and intrapersonal.

Gardner examined many subjects to decide upon the seven intelligences in his Multiple theories of Intelligence. Gardner finally concluded that intelligent behavior does not come from one single quality of the mind. He believed that different intelligences are generated from different metaphorical pools of mental energy, and that these pools enable people to solve problems or create products that are valued within one or more cultural settings. He came up with this concept from his experiences working with members of different populations where certain cognitive abilities are apparent even in the absence of basic abilities. For example, when an autistic person is a genius at math and lacks the ability to tie his shoes.

     A renowned professor of education and psychology at Harvard University, Howard Gardner has radically changed the way we look at intelligence. In 1983 Gardner published the first of two books that theorize that there are multiple intelligences. Gardner believes “that human cognitive competence is better described in terms of a set of abilities, talents, or mental skills, which we call “intelligence” (378). Gardner’s theory dismisses the idea that intelligence is a single attribute of the mind and suggests that there are different types of intelligences that account for different human

Intelligence by definition is “the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills” (Oxford Dictionary, 2014). However, many psychologists argue that there is no standard definition of ‘intelligence’, and there have been many different theories over time as psychologists try to find better ways to define this concept (Boundless 2013). While some believe in a single, general intelligence, others believe that intelligence involves multiple abilities and skills. Another largely debated concept is whether intelligence is genetically determined and fixed, or whether is it open to change, through learning and environmental influence. This is commonly known as the nature vs. nurture debate.

How is intelligence measured? How is it possible to just have one way to measure intelligence? Is there really only one way to measure every individual’s intelligence? According to psychologists Howard Gardner and Robert Sternberg there is. Gardner and Sternberg have developed two different theories to do so. Howard Gardner’s theory of intelligence is the way in which one carries out life goals. Gardner chose eight abilities that held to meet criteria: linguistic (speak and write well), logical-mathematical (use logical and mathematical skills to solve problems such as scientific quotations), spatial (think and reason about objects in three dimensional space), musical (preform, understand and enjoy music), bodily-kinesthetic (manipulate

It wasn’t until the year 1920 that different types of intelligence were defined. It was proposed by a man named EL Thorndike, and he separated the different types of intelligence into three categories: abstract, mechanical, and social intelligence. Years later, it was argued that social intelligence is somewhat

Gardner’s view on intelligence challenges our current educational system in which we assume everyone is capable of learning the same concepts in the same that is universal. This idea is what has lead to the excessive number of standardized testing required to be successful in today’s society. However, as the quote goes, “If you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it'll spend its entire life believing it is an

The term intelligence begs an important question. How can something be measured when it is indefinable? Numerous scientists, psychologists, theorists, neurologists, and many more can concur that intelligence does exist. Yet, to date, none of them can agree upon a universal definition. Therefore, intelligence is known only to be a scientific construct. (Floyd & Kranzler, 2013). Over the years, individuals have attempted to delimit intelligence by means of research, assessments, and theories. Beginning as early as the 19th century, Francis Joseph Gall, presented the scientific measuring tool known as phrenology. He believed mental qualities and functions could be evaluated according to specific faculties mapped out in the brain. (CIA textbook)

There has been continuous debate over potential additions and will sometimes see more than eight intelligences of Gardner’s model. Possible additions are spiritual/existential and moral, for a total of 10 possible. The first seven intelligences are considered measurable and the last three are not. Throughout the process of considering these categories, Gardner believed that all the intelligences work at the same time and complement each other as we develop skills or during problem solving. He felt that all the intelligences are needed to live life well. It is noted that Gardner did not want people to have extreme interpretations and that MI is a tool to use to understand personality, preferences and strengths; all of which are particular to us all as individuals (Gardner’s MI Theory and Gardner’s papers).

When a person utters the word “intelligence,” people tend to think of a genius like Albert Einstein developing some obscure equation that the great majority of the population will never understand. The problem with the definition of intelligence is that people relate intelligence to words like “genius” which require intelligence but do not have the same definition as intelligence. Often, people try to use related words to define intelligence, but these words are unable to define intelligence since many are only different levels of intelligence. While many definitions try to encompass the meaning of intelligence and various definitions describe a small part of intelligence, no definition completely explains intelligence, because

This theory explains intelligence as the specific process of solving problems that individuals encounter. Piaget (1952), one of the eminent proponents of this kind of theories, has proposed intelligence as an adaptive process, which a child experiences at various stages of his/her life. Gardner (1983) has developed a theory of multiple intelligence on the basis of cultural significance and their correspondence to the human brain structure (Table 3). Besides the physical and musical varieties, he has identified six other types of intelligence: spatial (visual), interpersonal (the ability to understand others), intrapersonal (the ability to understand oneself), naturalist (the ability to recognize fine distinctions and

The theory of multiple intelligence is one that came about in 1983. It is the theory that intelligence should not just be measured by an IQ test. Intelligence is much more than just a test, and has far more different aspects. Dr. Howard Gardner came up with the theory of multiple intelligence and the thought that there are many different types of intelligences. Gardner actually believes that there are eight or more different types of intelligences. According to “Teachers, Schools, and Society” “Gardner believes that his theory of multiple intelligences more accurately captures the diverse nature of human capability.” (pg 29) Some of the eight intelligences Gardner came up with are, Logical mathematical, linguistic, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. Logical-mathematical is an intelligence that relates more to numbers and problem solving. Linguistic intelligence relates to meanings of sounds and words. Bodily-kinesthetic is related to physical activity, and being able to handle and manipulate items to learn. Musical intelligence is related to being able to produce pitch and rhythm. Spatial intelligence is being “picture smart” and being able to see a model or drawing in their mind. Interpersonal intelligence is being people smart, and being able to analyze people’s moods. Intrapersonal intelligence is knowing yourself and your own feelings and needs. Then there’s naturalist, where someone has the ability to nurture living

The outlook on life has altered throughout the last century. Psychologist, neurologist, and educators are now discovering the body and mind are more intricate than what it used to be perceived as. There are innovative techniques to observing the intelligence that an individual has or is capable of doing. Psychologist Howard Gardner produced the Multiple Intelligence theory (MI). Gardner (1999) expressed intelligence as “the ability to solve problems or fashion products that are of consequence in a particular cultural setting or community”. Gardner (2006) says, “humans have at least nine intelligences” such as linguistics, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, naturalist, and existential.

A professor of education at Harvard University, Dr. Howard Gardner, developed the theory of multiple intelligences in 1983 (American Institute for Learning and Human Development, n.d.). Gardner’s theory suggests that traditional intelligence tests such as IQ tests, only meausures a limited aspect of human intelligence. Instead, this theory suggests that people have potential in eight areas of intelligence which are; linguistic, logical-mathematic, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapesonal, and naturalist.