When it comes to “intelligence” or measuring intellectual potential, the concept of IQ (Intelligence Quotient) testing tends to be something that comes to mind immediately. However, IQ tests or IQ scores are not the definitive measure of someone’s full capacities. Do you know that there are different types of intelligence? Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner, in the early 1980s, developed the Multiple Intelligences theory, suggesting that people have distinct types of intelligence.
In the year 1983, Howard Gardner, a prominent psychologist, proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. He first outlined this groundbreaking theory in his well-known book named "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences."
According to Gardner, there are 8 distinct types of intelligence (interpersonal, musical, linguistic, and more) and a possible ninth, called “existential intelligence.” This theory suggests that intelligence is multifaceted, with each person possessing a unique blend of abilities and talents, not limited to logical reasoning, linguistic, or problem-solving abilities.
Here’s a look at the eight major types of intelligence, as per the Multiple Intelligence theory by Howard Gardner.
Visual-spatial intelligence refers to the capacity to think abstractly and view or visualize the world in different dimensions. Individuals with great visual-spatial intelligence often excel at putting puzzles together and drawing and interpreting visuals well. They tend to excel in fields like architecture, graphic design, and engineering.
Strength | Characteristics |
Visual and spatial judgment |
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Linguistic-verbal intelligence, sometimes aka “language intelligence,” is characterized by the ability to use words effectively, both when speaking and writing. Individuals with this intelligence are adept at reading, writing, memorizing information, and storytelling. They often become writers, journalists, lawyers, or teachers.
Strength | Characteristics |
Writing, words, and language |
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Logical-mathematical intelligence, as its name suggests, involves the ability to think logically, carry out mathematical operations, and analyze problems. Along with linguistic intelligence, this intelligence type tends to be closely associated with the traditional IQ.
Those who are strong in logical-mathematical intelligence excel in reasoning, mathematical calculations, analyzing problems logically, and recognizing patterns. Good career options for individuals strong in this intelligence are mathematicians, scientists, engineers, and computer programmers.
Strength | Characteristics |
Analyzing problems & mathematical operations |
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This intelligence involves mind and body coordination and is considered important in athletes. If you are strong in body-kinesthetic intelligence, you are likely to have excellent control over your physical movements as well as be good at performing actions and creating things with your hands.
Good career options for individuals strong in this intelligence type are actors, dancers, physical therapists, athletes, craftspersons, surgeons, and other jobs requiring dexterity and excellent hand-eye coordination.
Strength | Characteristics |
Physical movement, motor control |
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Musical intelligence, as its name can tell, refers to the ability to sense sound, rhythm, melody, timbre, and tone and use it to create and reproduce music. This may also entail the ability to play musical instruments or/and sing.
Individuals with great musical intelligence excel at thinking in rhythms, patterns, and sounds, with a strong appreciation for music. They often pursue careers as musicians, composers, music teachers, singers, and conductors.
Strength | Characteristics |
Rhythm and music |
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Interpersonal intelligence, maybe aka emotional intelligence, is the ability to understand and effectively interact with other people. Those who are strong in this intelligence have sensitivity to the feelings, moods, motivations, and temperaments of those around them. They tend to be skilled at communication, empathy, and conflict resolution. These individuals can thrive in roles such as psychologists, teachers, counselors, salespeople, and team managers.
Strength | Characteristics |
Understanding & relating to others |
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Intrapersonal intelligence involves a deep understanding of oneself and sensitivity to one’s very own feelings, anxieties, and goals. Individuals strong in this intelligence are introspective and aware of their innate feelings, motivations, and emotional states, often understanding their strengths and weaknesses. Good career options to consider for individuals high in intrapersonal intelligence are philosopher, writer, entrepreneur, and theorist.
Strength | Characteristics |
Introspection and self-reflection |
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This is the latest addition to Gardner's multiple intelligences theory. Naturalistic intelligence involves the ability to understand nature and nuances in nature and recognize and categorize animals, plants, and other elements of the natural world. People with high naturalistic intelligence are often passionate about learning about species and exploring the environment. They may become conservationists, botanists, biologists, gardeners, or farmers.
Strength | Characteristics |
Seeing patterns and relationships to nature |
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While Gardner’s theory has gained widespread popularity, it has also faced criticism. Critics argue that his concept of intelligence is too broad and that his categories simply present abilities, talents, or personality traits rather than “intelligences.” Some also believe that Gardner’s model lacks empirical evidence.
Despite these criticisms, Gardner’s theory has influenced educational practices, with many teachers working to integrate this into their classrooms and utilizing multiple types of intelligences in their teaching philosophies. However, Gardner has cautioned that different types of intelligence shouldn't be mistaken for learning styles.
In summary, Howard Gardner's theory of multiple types of intelligence broadens our understanding of mental strengths and abilities, encouraging us to recognize our unique cognitive preferences and talents. Still, it’s not a good idea to use this theory to label individuals or confuse it with learning styles. Also, please remember that no intelligence type is better than another; each is unique and different, representing distinctive qualities and talents.
