The concept of multiple intelligences is a theory proposed by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner. Intelligence is often defined as our intellectual potential; something we are born with, something that can be measured, and a capacity that is difficult to change.
Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Gardner proposed that there are eight intelligences, and has suggested the possible addition of a ninth known as “existentialist intelligence.” 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.
1. 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.
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: Architect, Artist, Engineer
2. 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.
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 Writer/journalist, Lawyer, Teacher
3. 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.
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 Scientist, Mathematician, Computer programmer, Engineer, Accountant
4. 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.
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 Craftsperson, Dancer, Builder, Surgeon, Sculptor, Actor
5. 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.
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 Musician, Composer, Singer, Music teacher, Conductor
6. 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.
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 Psychologist, Philosopher, Counselor, Salesperson, Politician
7. 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.
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 Philosopher, Writer, Theorist, Scientist
8. 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.
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
Potential Career Choices Biologist, Conservationist, Gardener, Farmer
Theories of Intelligence in Psychology
9 Existential Intelligence Existential intelligence is the ninth type of intelligence suggested as an addition to Gardner’s original theory. He described existential intelligence as an ability to delve into deeper questions about life and existence. People with this type of intelligence contemplate the “big” questions about topics such as the meaning of life and how actions can serve larger goals.
Strengths An ability to see the big picture
Characteristics People with existential intelligence:
Have a long-term outlook
Consider how current actions influence future outcomes
Interest in questions about the meaning of life and death
Strong interest and concern for others
The ability to see situations from an outside perspective
Potential Career Choices Philosopher, Theologian, Pastoral counselor, Pastor
Multiple Intelligences Test – IDRlabs
Multiple Intelligences Quiz
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