Theory of Intelligence

• Definition of Intelligence

• Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences– The basis of MI– How it was developed– The eight kinds of intelligences

Definition of Intelligence

• Previous Definitions• Intelligence is something

you are born with.

• You only have a certain amount.

• Tests exist that can tell you how smart you are.

• (Checkly, 1997)

• Gardner’s Definition• The human ability to solve

problems or to make something that is valued in one or more cultures.

Basis for Gardner’s Theory

• Theoretical Basis• Symbol use is controlled

by different parts of the brain.

• When brain damage occurs, one form of symbol use may be compromised, while another is not.

• Practical Basis• Schools were

implementing only logical-mathematical and linguistic forms of symbols.

• Intelligence, aptitude tests relied heavily on these same two forms.

Development of MI

• Gardner:• Looked for patterns of

repeated characteristics and abilities.

• Looked at forms of intellect valued in different cultures, species and special populations.

• Studied the development of cognitive growth in individuals.

•Using factor analysis and transfer and generalization came up with the theory that human beings have evolved to carry out at least eight forms of thinking.

•(Gardner & Hatch, 1996)

Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

Logical-Mathematical

Linguistic

Spatial

Kinesthetic

Interpersonal

Musical

Intrapersonal

Naturalist

Verbal Linguistic Intelligence

• Word Smart• The ability to use

words and language.• Highly developed

auditory skills.• Likes to read.• Likes to write.• Good story tellers.

• Examples: poets, writers, lawyers, journalists, teachers and translators.

Spatial/Visual Intelligence

• Picture smart.• Thinks in images and

pictures.• Knows the location of

everything.• Fascinated with

machines and contraptions.

• Example: Inventors, architects, engineers, mechanics, artists, decorators.

Logical/Mathematical Intelligence• Number smart• Questions and

wonders about natural events.

• Manipulates the environment to experiment in a controlled way.

• Thinks conceptually.

• Explores patterns, categories, and relationships.

• Skilled in reasoning, logic and problem solving.

• Examples: scientists, engineers, computer programmers, accountants.

Interpersonal Intelligence• People Smart• Thinks and processes

by communicating with others.

• Leaders among their peers.

• Sense the feelings and intentions of others.

• Understands people, mediates conflict.

• Organizer, communicator, at times manipulative.

• Street smart, has many friends.

• Example: counselors, business people, politicians, community organizers.

Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence

• Body smart.• Processes knowledge

through bodily sensation.• Excellent fine motor

coordination.• Gut feelings about things,• Can mimick qualities and

mannerisms.

• Needs to move around, often labeled hyperactive.

• Examples: athletes, dancers, actors, mimes, clowns.

Musical/Rhythmic Intelligence• Music smart• Thinks in sounds,

rhythms, and patterns.• Sings, hums, whistles

to themselves.• Immediately responds

to music.

• Strong opinions of others’ music.

• Performs and appreciates music and leads in songs.

• Sensitive to environmental sounds.

• Examples: choirs, orchestra, bands, disc jockeys, theatre

Intrapersonal Intelligence• Self smart• Skilled in inner

focusing.• Displays a strong

personality.• Deep awareness of

inner feelings, dreams and ideas.

• Reflective and analytical.

• Tends to shy away from team activities.

• Recognizes self strengths and weaknesses.

• Requires private space and times.

• Examples: philosophers, theorists, researchers, self-employed.

Naturalist Intelligence

• Nature smart• Ability to recognize and

classify plants, minerals, and animals.

• Discriminates among living things.

• Sensitive to features of the natural world.

• Aware of patterns in nature.

• Examples: farmers, botanists, biologists, chefs.

We’re not all the same……it’s got to be

Different strokes for different folks!