keymodels
Multiple intelligences
How can multiple intelligences support strategic choice or positioning?
Contents
Standard IQ tests measure numeracy, verbal and non-verbal reasoning and yet many people who would achieve low scores in an IQ test are extremely successful in life.
Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences challenges the idea that one general score exhausts human intellectual capability. It proposes several relatively distinct capacities, such as linguistic, musical, spatial and interpersonal intelligence. The framework can broaden attention to talent, but its empirical status is contested and it should not be confused with evidence that teaching must match a learner’s preferred “style.”
When to use it
Use the categories as prompts for reflection, task design and noticing overlooked strengths—not as a diagnostic test, ability ceiling or personnel label.
Origins
Gardner introduced the theory in Frames of Mind after drawing on developmental psychology, neuropsychology, exceptional performance and cross-cultural evidence. He initially proposed seven intelligences and later added naturalist intelligence while considering existential intelligence more cautiously.
Other suggested categories, including moral, spiritual and animal-related ability, were not adopted by Gardner as established intelligences. Critics argue that the proposed capacities overlap with abilities, talents and general intelligence and lack sufficient independent empirical validation. Gardner has also explicitly distinguished multiple intelligences from learning styles.
What it is
The theory suggests that a person can show different levels of capability across domains and that development is not uniform. This can counter a narrow tendency to value only verbal and mathematical performance.
It does not follow that a person should be taught only through a favoured capacity. Use varied representations when they fit the subject, and evaluate learning through valid evidence.
| Type of intelligence | Characteristics (Indicative, but note that not everyone possessing a particular type of intelligence will display all of these characteristics) |
|---|---|
| Linguistic | • Facility to learn other languages. • Ability to be creative in one’s own language. • Ability to speak articulately (and possibly, publicly). |
| Musical | • Ability to play an instrument, sing, whistle, hum in tune. • Deep appreciation of music. • ‘Earworms’ – the tune in your head that will not go away. • Relative or absolute perfect pitch. |
Linguistic Learning and using language; writing, speaking and verbal creativity.
mathematical
Interpersonal Interpreting other people’s intentions, perspectives and social cues.
Intrapersonal Reflecting on one’s own feelings, motives, thought and behaviour.
Existential Engaging with questions of meaning and existence; proposed more tentatively.
These descriptions are illustrative, not checklists. Skill depends on education, opportunity, practice, disability access, culture and the specific task.
Continue your preview
Read more of Multiple intelligences.
Create a free account to continue this advanced article preview. Complete access is available with Pro or an eligible outcome pack, so you can see the value before deciding to upgrade.