x
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/KendraNew-594aa2843df78c537bb48a90.jpg)
Reviewed by
Updated on July 17, 2019
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."1
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.2
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.
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.3
Visual and spatial judgment
People with visual-spatial intelligence:
If you're strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are:
People 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.1
Words, language, and writing
People with linguistic-verbal intelligence:
If you're strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
People 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.4
Analyzing problems and mathematical operations
People with logical-mathematical intelligence:
If you're strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Those 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.4
Physical movement, motor control
People with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:
If you're strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, good career choices for you are:
People 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.5
Rhythm and music
People with musical intelligence:
If you're strong in musical intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Those 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.5
Understanding and relating to other people
People with interpersonal intelligence:
If you're strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Individuals 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.5
Introspection and self-reflection
People with intrapersonal intelligence:
If you're strong in intrapersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Naturalistic 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.1
Finding patterns and relationships to nature
People with naturalistic intelligence:
If you're strong in naturalistic intelligence, good career choices for you are:
