In recent years, however, other views of intelligence have emerged, including Gardner’s suggestion that multiple different types of intelligence may exist.
Theory of Multiple Intelligences
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.“ 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.
Criticism
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. Gardner has cautioned that multiple intelligences should not be conflated with learning styles. (It is also important to stress that evidence has found that matching instruction to a learner’s perceived style has no benefits in terms of learning outcomes or educational attainment.) There is a lack of evidence to demonstrate that learning according to your “intelligence” produces better educational outcomes. However, you may find that learning more about multiple intelligences can give you a better understanding of your strengths and preferences.
Strengths
Visual and spatial judgment
Characteristics
People with visual-spatial intelligence:
Read and write for enjoymentAre good at putting puzzles togetherInterpret pictures, graphs, and charts wellEnjoy drawing, painting, and the visual artsRecognize patterns easily
Potential Career Choices
If you’re strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are:
ArchitectArtistEngineer
Strengths
Words, language, and writing
Characteristics
People with linguistic-verbal intelligence:
Remember written and spoken informationEnjoy reading and writingDebate or give persuasive speechesAre able to explain things wellUse humor when telling stories
Potential Career Choices
If you’re strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Writer/journalistLawyerTeacher
Strengths
Analyzing problems and mathematical operations
Characteristics
People with logical-mathematical intelligence:
Have excellent problem-solving skills Enjoy thinking about abstract ideas Like conducting scientific experiments Can solve complex computations
Potential Career Choices
If you’re strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, good career choices for you are:
ScientistMathematicianComputer programmerEngineerAccountant
Strengths
Physical movement, motor control
Characteristics
People with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:
Are skilled at dancing and sportsEnjoy creating things with his or her handsHave excellent physical coordinationRemember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing
Potential Career Choices
If you’re strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Craftsperson DancerBuilderSurgeonSculptorActor
Strengths
Rhythm and music
Characteristics
People with musical intelligence:
Enjoy singing and playing musical instrumentsRecognize musical patterns and tones easilyRemember songs and melodiesHave a rich understanding of musical structure, rhythm, and notes
Potential Career Choices
If you’re strong in musical intelligence, good career choices for you are:
MusicianComposerSingerMusic teacherConductor
Strengths
Understanding and relating to other people
Characteristics
People with interpersonal intelligence:
Communicate well verbally Are skilled at nonverbal communication See situations from different perspectives Create positive relationships with others Resolve conflicts in group settings
Potential Career Choices
If you’re strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
PsychologistPhilosopherCounselorSalespersonPolitician
Strengths
Introspection and self-reflection
Characteristics
People with intrapersonal intelligence:
Analyze their strengths and weaknesses wellEnjoy analyzing theories and ideasHave excellent self-awarenessUnderstand the basis for his or her own motivations and feelings
Potential Career Choices
If you’re strong in intrapersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
PhilosopherWriterTheoristScientist
Strengths
Finding patterns and relationships to nature
Characteristics
People with naturalistic intelligence:
Are interested in subjects such as botany, biology, and zoologyCategorize and catalog information easilyEnjoy camping, gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoorsDislikes learning unfamiliar topics that have no connection to nature
Potential Career Choices
If you’re strong in naturalistic intelligence, good career choices for you are:
BiologistConservationistGardenerFarmer
Strengths
An ability to see the big picture
Characteristics
People with existential intelligence:
Have a long-term outlookConsider how current actions influence future outcomesInterest in questions about the meaning of life and deathStrong interest and concern for othersThe ability to see situations from an outside perspective
Potential Career Choices
If you have a strong sense of existential intelligence, you might enjoy a career as a:
PhilosopherTheologianPastoral counselorPastor
Instead of trying to match what you learn to your perceived type of intelligence, focus on learning new things via various modalities and formats to strengthen encoding and reinforce learning.
