The multiple intelligences
Gardner articulated seven criteria for a
behavior to be considered an intelligence.These were that the intelligences
showed:
Gardner chose eight abilities that he held
to meet these criteria: spatial, linguistic, logical-mathematical,
bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. He
later suggested that existential and moral
intelligence may also be worthy of inclusion.
Logical-mathematical
This area has to do
with logic, abstractions, reasoning and numbers and critical thinking. This
also has to do with having the capacity to understand the underlying principles
of some kind of causal system. Logical reasoning is closely linked to fluid intelligence and to general intelligence )
Spatial
This area deals with
spatial judgment and the ability to visualize with the mind's eye. Spatial
ability is one of the three factors beneath g in the hierarchical model
of intelligence.
Linguistic
People with high
verbal-linguistic intelligence display a facility with words and languages.
They are typically good at reading, writing, telling stories and memorizing
words along with dates. Verbal ability is one of the most g-loaded
abilities.This type of intelligence is associated with the
Bodily-kinesthetic
The core elements of
the bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are control of one's
bodily motions and the capacity to handle objects skillfully. Gardner
elaborates to say that this also includes a sense of timing, a clear sense of
the goal of a physical action, along with the ability to train responses.
People who have
bodily-kinesthetic intelligence should learn better by involving muscular
movement (e.g. getting up and moving around into the learning experience), and
be generally good at physical activities such as sports, dance, acting, and
making things.
, they will not produce the actual physical
learning that is needed in this intelligence.
Musical
This area has to do
with sensitivity to sounds, rhythms and music. People with a high musical
intelligence normally have good pitch and may even have, and are able to sing,
play musical instruments, and compose music. Since there is a strong auditory
component to this intelligence, those who are strongest in it may learn best
via lecture. They will sometimes use songs or rhythms to learn. They have
sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, meter, tone, melody or timbre.
Interpersonal
This area has to do with
interaction
with others. In theory, individuals who have high interpersonal
intelligence 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. According to Gardner in How Are Kids Smart: Multiple
Intelligences in the Classroom, "Inter- and Intra- personal
intelligence is often misunderstood with being extroverted or liking other
people. Those with this intelligence communicate effectively and empathize
easily with others, and may be either leaders or followers. They typically
learn best by working with others and often enjoy discussion and debate.
Intrapersonal
This area has to do
with introspective
and self-reflective capacities. This refers to having a deep understanding of
the self; what your strengths/ weaknesses are, what makes you unique, being
able to predict your own reactions/emotions.
Naturalistic
This area has to do
with nurturing and relating information to one’s natural surroundings. Examples
include classifying natural forms such as animal and plant species and rocks
and mountain types. This ability was clearly of value in our evolutionary past
as hunters, gatherers, and farmers; it continues to be central in such roles as
botanist or chef
Existential
Some proponents of
multiple intelligence theory proposed spiritual or religious intelligence as a
possible additional type. Gardner did not want to commit to a spiritual
intelligence, but suggested that an "existential" intelligence may be
a useful construct. The hypothesis of an existential intelligence has been
further explored by educational researchers.