While conventional views of human intelligence focus on an individual’s intellectual potential, the theory of multiple intelligences suggests that intelligence is more than just a single general mental ability. First introduced by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, the theory suggests that people may possess different forms of intelligence.
In other words, the theory suggests that there is more than one way to be intelligent. This article explores Gardner’s theory and how it compares to other theories. It also discusses the characteristics of each of the different types of multiple intelligences.
Table of Contents
In this article:
- Multiple Intelligences vs. General Intelligence
- The 8 Multiple Intelligences
- Musical-Rhythmic Intelligence
- Visual-Spatial Intelligence
- Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence
- Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
- Interpersonal Intelligence
- Intrapersonal Intelligence
- Naturalistic Intelligence
- Other Possible Intelligences
- What the Research Says
- Impact of Multiple Intelligences
- Summary
Multiple Intelligences vs. General Intelligence
Intelligence research suggests that people possess a broad mental capacity that controls many cognitive abilities. Most modern intelligence tests are designed to measure this general intelligence and express it as a single number, or IQ score.
Cognitive factors that make up this general intelligence include fluid reasoning, working memory, visual-spatial processing, general knowledge, and quantitative reasoning.
Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences suggests that the traditional definition of intelligence is too limited and restricted. Instead, it suggests that people can be intelligent in ways that are not usually captured by IQ tests.
The 8 Multiple Intelligences
Gardner originally proposed seven distinct forms of intelligence. An eighth intelligence was added in the mid-1990s.
The eight types of intelligence are:
- Musical-rhythmic intelligence
- Visual-spatial intelligence
- Verbal-linguistic intelligence
- Logical-mathematical intelligence
- Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence
- Interpersonal intelligence
- Intrapersonal intelligence
- Naturalistic intelligence
Musical-Rhythmic Intelligence
People who are high in musical-rhythmic intelligence tend to be more sensitive to music, sounds, rhythms, and tones. They are often very good at playing music and may also enjoy singing or composing songs. They also enjoy musical performances and are good at understanding and identifying musical concepts such as timbre, harmony, pitch, and melody.
Career Options
People who have strong musical-rhythmic intelligence may enjoy music-related careers such as becoming a:
- Singer
- Musician
- Composer
- Music teacher
- Sound engineer
Visual-Spatial Intelligence
People who are strong in visual-spatial intelligence are good at visualizing objects and spaces in their minds. They tend to be very good at navigating and following directions. They are also usually good at interpreting pictures, maps, and charts.
Those high in this type of intelligence often enjoy putting together puzzles, are good at recognizing patterns, and love the visual arts.
Career Options
People with a great deal of visual-spatial intelligence often excel at careers in art, engineering, architecture, and design.
Some good career options include:
- Graphic designer
- Painter
- Interior designer
- Architect
- Pilot
- Landscape designer
- Photographer
- Engineer
- Surgeon
- Sculptor
Verbal-Linguistic Intelligence
People who are strong in verbal-linguistic intelligence are good with language and words. They excel at writing, reading, and storytelling. Other skills include remembering things that they read and hear.
This type of intelligence is also marked by the ability to explain what they have learned to others. They are also skilled at persuading others and debating issues.
Career Options
People who have strong verbal-linguistic intelligence may excel in a career as a:
- Writer
- Journalists
- Teachers
- Lawyers
- Speech-language therapist
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
Those who are high in logical-mathematical intelligence are good with numbers. They excel at seeing patterns and relationships. They are also very good at thinking logically and conceptually. People with this type of intelligence are good at math and science. They also enjoy thinking about abstract, complex subjects.
Career Options
Careers that may appeal to people with logical-mathematical intelligence include:
- Scientist
- Mathematician
- Engineer
- Accountant
- Computer programmer
- Data analyst
- Statistician
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
People with a lot of bodily-kinesthetic intelligence have good coordination and are skilled at movement, action, and physical control. They are often very good at sports and dance.
People with this type of intelligence tend to prefer doing hands-on activities and often enjoy making things. They also often prefer learning by doing rather than through reading or listening to lectures.
Career Options
Some of the careers that might appeal to people who have strong bodily-kinesthetic intelligence include:
- Athlete
- Actor
- Carpenter
- Dancer
- Physical therapist
Interpersonal Intelligence
People who have a great deal of interpersonal intelligence are good at understanding and interacting with other people. They are in touch with other people’s emotions and moods. If you are strong in this area, you are probably good at understanding other people’s temperaments, motivations, and needs. This does not necessarily mean that you are an outgoing extrovert or group leader, but it does mean that you are good at empathizing and relating to others.
Career Options
If you have a great deal of interpersonal intelligence, you might want to consider a career as a:
- Salesperson
- Therapist
- Counselor
- Psychologist
- Social worker
- Manager
Intrapersonal Intelligence
People who have strong intrapersonal intelligence excel at introspection and self-reflection. They tend to be very aware of their own emotions, motivations, and feelings. They are also good at knowing their own strengths and weaknesses.
Career Options
People with strong intrapersonal intelligence often do well in fields that involve reflection and self-awareness, such as:
- Philosopher
- Poet
- Writer
- Scientist
- Entrepreneur
- Clergy person
Naturalistic Intelligence
This type of intelligence was not originally part of Gardner’s theory but was later suggested as part of the main eight intelligences. Gardner suggested that people with this type of intelligence are more connected to nature. They have a strong ecological awareness and enjoy spending time in the natural world and learning more about nature and other species.
Career Options
For people with a dominant sense of naturalistic intelligence, careers that might appeal include:
- Biologist
- Conservationist
- Gardener
- Farmer
- Botonist
- Geologist
Other Possible Intelligences
Gardner has also suggested that there may also be other intelligences as well. Some others that have been suggested include spiritual intelligence, moral intelligence, and existential intelligence.
Existential intelligence is a proposed addition to the original theory characterized by an ability to think philosophically. People with this type of intelligence are good at looking at the big picture. They have a strong sense of intuition and excel and thinking about the future. They enjoy thinking about the purpose of life and other deep, often philosophical or spiritual questions.
Job options that might appeal to someone with this type of intelligence include:
- Counselor
- Life coach
- Psychologist
- Pastor
- Philosopher
- Yoga instructor
- Meditation guide
- Motivational speaker
What the Research Says
While Gardner’s theory has gained popularity, particularly in the field of education, the concept of multiple intelligences has been criticized and remains poorly supported by research.
One of the main criticisms of the theory centers on how Gardner defines intelligence. Many of the things that the theory labels as ‘intelligence,’ critics argue, are actually more related to personality traits, talents, and abilities.
One study found that the intelligences described by Gardner represent aspects of general intelligence and personality characteristics, cognitive abilities, and non-cognitive abilities.
Another study found that three of the multiple intelligences, musical, logical-mathematical, and visual-spatial intelligence, were positively correlated with IQ scores. The study also found that even children who scored low on IQ showed strengths in other forms of intelligence
While the concept of general intelligence and its measurement does not remain without controversy, research indicates that people do have an underlying mental ability that plays a role in performance on a variety of cognitive tasks.
Impact of Multiple Intelligences
The theory has received little acceptance and support in the field of psychology. In education, it is often misconstrued as learning styles, which suggest that children should receive instruction that is aligned with how they learn best.
While Gardner’s theory has not been well-validated through empirical research, it has continued to be popular for a number of reasons. In the field of education, it is often used as a way to think about student strengths.
Gardner has suggested that the purpose of formal education should be to help people develop skills and find a job that is best suited to their strongest areas of intelligence.
Summary
The idea of multiple intelligence has become popular, but there is a lack of scientific support for the theory. However, it can be helpful to think about your strengths and preferences, particularly when it comes to finding a career that you will enjoy. It is also important to remember that you may actually have more than one type of intelligence that describes you best.
Sources:
Gardner H. Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books; 1983
Gardner H. Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century. New York: Basic Books; 1999.
Singh Y, Makharia A, Sharma A, Agrawal K, Varma G, Yadav T. A study on different forms of intelligence in Indian school-going children. Ind Psychiatry J 2017;26:71-6. doi:10.4103/ipj.ipj_61_16
Sternberg RJ. Intelligence. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2012;14(1):19–27.
Visser BA, Ashton MC, Vernon PA. g and the measurement of multiple intelligences: a response to Gardner. Intelligence. 2006;34(5):507-510. doi:10.1016/j.intell.2006.04.006
