Introduction
Howard Gardner introduced the theory of multiple intelligences in his classic book, Frames of Mind (Basic Books) in 1983
In this scholarly work Dr. Gardner provided extensive support for his proposition that there is more to intelligence than what shows up on an IQ score. Based on a unique definition of intelligence and eight criteria, he carefully describes how a broad array of evidence supports the powerful idea that the human mind possesses at least seven distinct forms of intelligence. In 1996 he added the eighth intelligence to the list, Naturalist, in recognition that the understanding of living things (flora and fauna) is not sufficiently covered by the original seven intelligences.
As of this writing, Dr. Gardner is reviewing the status of the proposed Existential intelligence that was introduced his in 1999 book, Intelligence Reframed. Click here for a description, Existential
Scientific Criteria for Inclusion as an Intelligence:
“The ability to solve a problem or create a product that is valued within one or more cultures“
- potential for brain isolation by brain damage
- place in evolutionary history
- presence of core operations
- susceptibility to encoding (symbolic expression)
- a distinct developmental progression
- the existence of savants, prodigies and other exceptional people
- support from experimental psychology
- support from psychometric findings
The Eight Multiple Intelligences
Musical
To think in sounds, rhythms, melodies and rhymes
To be sensitive to pitch, rhythm, timbre and tone. To recognize, create and reproduce music by using an instrument or voice. Active listening and a strong connection between music and emotions.
Vocal Ability: a good voice for singing in tune and in harmony.
Instrumental Skill: skill and experience in playing a musical instrument.
Composer: makes up songs or poetry and has tunes on her mind.
Appreciation: actively enjoys listening to music of some kind.
Kinesthetic
To think in movements and to use the body in skilled and complicated ways for expressive and goal directed activities.
Dexterity: A sense of timing, coordination for whole body movement and the use of hands for manipulating objects.
Athletics: ability to move the whole body for physical activities such as balancing, coordination and sports.
Dexterity: to use the hands with dexterity and skill for detailed activities and expressive moment.
Logical-mathmatical
To think of cause and effect connections and to understand relationships among actions, objects or ideas.
To calculate, quantify or consider propositions and perform complex mathematical or logical operations. It involves inductive and deductive reasoning skills as well as critical and creative problem-solving.
Everyday Math: performs well in math at school
School Math: used math effectively in everyday life
Everyday Problem Solving: able to use logical reasoning to solve everyday problems, curiosity
Strategy Games: good at games of skill and strategy.
Spatial
To think in pictures and to perceive the visual world.
To think in three-dimensions and to transform one’s perceptions and re-create aspects of one’s visual experience via imagination. To work with objects effectively.
Space Awareness: to solve problems of spatial orientation and moving objects through space such as driving a car.
Working with Objects: to make, build, fix, or assemble.
Artistic Design: to create artistic designs, drawings, paintings.
Linguistic
To think in words and to use language to express and understand complex meanings. Sensitivity to the meaning of words and the order among words, sounds, rhythms, inflections. To reflect on the use of language in everyday life.
Expressive Sensitivity: skill in the use of words for expressive and practical purposes
Rhetorical Skill: to use language effectively for interpersonal negotiation and persuasion
Written-academic: to use words well in writing reports, letters, stories, verbal memory, reading / writing.
Interpersonal
To think about and understand another person’s thoughts and feelings.
To have empathy and recognize distinctions among people and to appreciate their perspectives with sensitivity to their motives, moods and intentions. It involves interacting effectively with one or more people in familiar, casual or working circumstances.
Social Sensitivity: sensitivity to and understanding of other people’s moods, feelings and point of view
Social Persuasion: ability for influencing other people
Interpersonal Work: interest and skill for jobs involving working with people.
Intrapersonal
To think about and understand one’s self. To be aware of one’s strengths and weaknesses and to plan effectively to achieve personal goals.
Reflecting on and monitoring one’s thoughts and feelings and regulating them effectively. The ability to monitor one’s self in interpersonal relationships and to act with personal efficacy.
Personal Knowledge / Efficacy: awareness of one’s own ideas, abilities; able to achieve personal goals.
Effectiveness: ability to relate oneself well to others and manage personal relationships.
Calculations: meta-cognition “thinking about thinking’ involving numerical operations
Spatial Problem Solving: self awareness to problem solve while moving self or objects through space.
Naturalist
To understand the natural world including plants, animals and scientific studies.
To recognize and classify individuals, species and ecological relationships. To interact effectively with living creatures and discern patterns of life and natural forces.
Animal Care: skill for understanding animal behavior, needs, characteristics
Plant Care: ability to work with plants, i.e., gardening, farming and horticulture.