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Multiple Intelligence Theory

© Tara Kuther

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.