Human Development
Multiple intelligences
Description:
The idea of multiple intelligences put forward by Howard Gardner proposes that, rather than considering intelligence as one function with many facets (all of which may be assessed together as one [intelligence quotient] or [IQ]), there are many separate intelligences independent of each other and which therefore need to be considered separately. These separate intelligences are postulated as those which can be shown to occur (or to be missing) selectively. Studies of individuals with brain damage or highly gifted in some way, and of cultures with particular attributes, have demonstrated the independence of the following:(1) [Linguistic intelligence]. This is demonstrated by a sensitivity to sounds, rhythms, inflections and meter, a special clarity of awareness of the core operation of language.
(2) [Musical intelligence]. Such intelligence has as its centre the relating of emotional and motivational factors to the perceptual ones; music is a way of capturing and communicating feelings and knowledge about feelings.
(3) [Logical/mathematical intelligence]. This is developed first from the ability to recognize classes or sets of physical objects; and later by conceptualizing classes or sets of objects or ideas in the mind and understanding logical connections among them.
(4) [Spatial intelligence]. An accurate perception of the physical world, an ability to transform or modify these perceptions, and the recreating of certain aspects of visual experience without relevant physical stimuli - these are all part of spatial ability.
(5) [Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence]. Skill in controlling bodily movements and in the ability to manipulate objects combine in this intelligence, which has been valued in many cultures as the harmony between mind and body - the mind trained to use the body properly and the body to respond to the mind.
(6) [Personal intelligences]. These are centred on the concept of the individual self and may be considered as: (a) [Access to one's own feeling life] - this is the development of the internal aspects of a person and the ability to detect and symbolize complex and highly differentiated sets of feelings. (b) [Ability to notice and make distinctions among individuals] - to read even the hidden intentions and desires of others and to use this knowledge to influence their behaviour.
All these foregoing intelligences are the basic competences on which diverse capacities are built up, depending on an individual's environment. It may be through acquiring skills in a non-literate society; through acquiring literacy in a traditional or religious-based school; or through scientific, secular education. Each of these systems will develop some aspects but none develops them all. The first emphasizes bodily/spatial/interpersonal forms; the second de-emphasizes these in favour of linguistic forms; and the last looks to logical/mathematical and intrapersonal approaches.
Narrower:
Spatial intelligenceMusical intelligencePersonal intelligencesLinguistic intelligenceBodily-kinesthetic intelligenceLogical-mathematical intelligence Related:
Intelligence