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. 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.
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. 1 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. Visual and spatial
judgment People with visual-spatial intelligence: If you're strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are: 2 Linguistic-Verbal IntelligencePeople 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. StrengthsWords, language, and writing CharacteristicsPeople with linguistic-verbal intelligence:
Potential Career ChoicesIf you're strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
3 Logical-Mathematical IntelligencePeople 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. StrengthsAnalyzing problems and mathematical operations CharacteristicsPeople with logical-mathematical intelligence:
Potential Career ChoicesIf you're strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, good career choices for you are:
4 Bodily-Kinesthetic IntelligenceThose 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. StrengthsPhysical movement, motor control CharacteristicsPeople with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:
Potential Career ChoicesIf you're strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, good career choices for you are:
5 Musical IntelligencePeople 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. StrengthsRhythm and music CharacteristicsPeople with musical intelligence:
Potential Career ChoicesIf you're strong in musical intelligence, good career choices for you are:
6 Interpersonal IntelligenceThose 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. StrengthsUnderstanding and relating to other people CharacteristicsPeople with interpersonal intelligence:
Potential Career ChoicesIf you're strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
7 Intrapersonal IntelligenceIndividuals 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. StrengthsIntrospection and self-reflection CharacteristicsPeople with intrapersonal intelligence:
Potential Career ChoicesIf you're strong in intrapersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
8 Naturalistic IntelligenceNaturalistic 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. StrengthsFinding patterns and relationships to nature CharacteristicsPeople with naturalistic intelligence:
Potential Career ChoicesIf you're strong in naturalistic intelligence, good career choices for you are:
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Thanks for your feedback! Which one of the following alternatives best describes differences between children with a mastery orientation and children with learned helplessness?Which one of the following alternatives best describes differences between children with a mastery orientation and children with learned helplessness? Children with a mastery orientation set high goals and seek challenges. Children with learned helplessness underestimate their ability and set low goals.
Which of the following is the most important in a study strategy's effectiveness?Which of the following is the most important in a study strategy's effectiveness? The decision about what is important (such as deciding what and what not to write down).
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