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Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences

By Kendra Cherry

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."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.

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.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.

Visual-Spatial Intelligence
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
Strengths

Visual and spatial judgment

Characteristics

People with visual-spatial intelligence:

 Read and write for enjoyment

 Are good at putting puzzles together
 Interpret pictures, graphs, and charts well
 Enjoy drawing, painting, and the visual arts
 Recognize patterns easily

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Architect
 Artist
 Engineer

Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence
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

Strengths

Words, language, and writing

Characteristics

People with linguistic-verbal intelligence:

 Remember written and spoken information

 Enjoy reading and writing
 Debate or give persuasive speeches
 Are able to explain things well
 Use humor when telling stories

Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Writer/journalist
 Lawyer
 Teacher
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
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

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:

 Scientist
 Mathematician
 Computer programmer
 Engineer
 Accountant

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
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

Strengths

Physical movement, motor control

Characteristics

People with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:

 Are skilled at dancing and sports

 Enjoy creating things with his or her hands
 Have excellent physical coordination
 Remember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing
Potential Career Choices

If you're strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, good career choices for you are:

 Dancer
 Builder
 Sculptor
 Actor

Musical Intelligence
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

Strengths

Rhythm and music

Characteristics

People with musical intelligence:

 Enjoy singing and playing musical instruments

 Recognize musical patterns and tones easily
 Remember songs and melodies
 Have 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:

 Musician
 Composer
 Singer
 Music teacher
 Conductor

Interpersonal Intelligence
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

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:

 Psychologist
 Philosopher
 Counselor
 Salesperson
 Politician

Intrapersonal Intelligence
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

Strengths

Introspection and self-reflection

Characteristics

People with intrapersonal intelligence:

 Analyze their strengths and weaknesses well

 Enjoy analyzing theories and ideas
 Have excellent self-awareness
 Understand 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:

 Philosopher
 Writer
 Theorist
 Scientist
Naturalistic Intelligence
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

Strengths

Finding patterns and relationships to nature

Characteristics

People with naturalistic intelligence:

 Are interested in subjects such as botany, biology, and zoology

 Categorize and catalog information easily
 Enjoy camping, gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoors
 Dislikes learning unfamiliar topics that have no connection to nature