Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences

multiple intellegences

American psychologist Howard Gardner proposes that we have multiple intelligences. He has identified eight, each of which is independent of the others.
-musical
-logical mathmatical
-intrapersonal
-interpersonal
-naturaliastic
-linguistic
-bodily kinesthetic
-spatial

Two key claims:

1. all people possess all these intelligences\

2. all individuals have a unique combination of the different intelligences.

Other facts:

Gardner believes that each of these intelligences operates in a different part of the brain

Savant syndrome - usually score poorly on IQ tests but have one extraordinary specific ability (eg recall)

Controversial theory because abilities such as 'body control' were considered intelligence

Applied in classrooms

. Linguistic intelligence

the use of language and words (written and spoken)

Musical Intelligence -

musical competence, such as understanding pitch, rhythm and tone

Logical-mathematical intelligence -

ordering and reordering numbers of objects to measure their quantity, using a sequence of logical steps in solving a problem.

Spatial intelligence -

mentally forming and using accurate visual images of real objects and events, mentally rotating objects in 3D-space

Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence

- using one's body in highly specialised and skilled ways, as seen in athletes, dancers and gymnasts.

Intrapersonal intelligence

- ability to understand one's own feelings and to draw on them to guide one's behaviour in an appropriate way

Interpersonal intelligence

- to read other people's moods, motivations, intentions and other internal states and effectively act upon this knowledge

Naturalistic intelligence

- the ability to recognise and categorise natural objects

Gardner believes there is a 9th intelligence...

existential intelligence.

ability to raise and consider basic questions about existence, life and death.