Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences - II

 

By Kendra Cherry

Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence

Strengths: Words, Language and Writing

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.

Characteristics of Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence

• Good at remembering written and spoken information
• Enjoys reading and writing
• Good at debating or giving persuasive speeches
• Able to explain things well
• Often uses humor when telling stories

Potential Career Choices

• Writer / Journalist
• Lawyer
• Teacher

Strengths: Analyzing Problems and Mathematical Operations

People who are strong in logical-mathematical intelligence are good at reasoning, recognizing patterns and logically analyze problems. These individuals tend to think conceptually about numbers, relationships and patterns.

Characteristics of Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Enjoys thinking about abstract ideas
• Likes conducting scientific experiments
• Good and solving complex computations

Potential Career Choices

• Scientist
• Mathematician
• Computer programmer
• Engineer
• Accountant

Strengths: Physical Movement, Motor Control

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.

Characteristics of Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

• Good at dancing and sports
• Enjoy creating things with their hands
• Excellent physical coordination
• Tends to remember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing

Potential Career Choices

• Dancer
• Builder
• Sculptor
• Actor

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Strengths: Rhythm and Music

People who have strong musical intelligence are good and thinking in patterns, rhythms and sounds. They have a strong appreciation for music and are often good at musical composition and performance.

Characteristics of Musical Intelligence

• Enjoy singing and playing musical instruments
• Recognizes musical patterns and tones easily
• Good at remembering songs and melodies
• Rich understanding of musical structure, rhythm and notes

Potential Career Choices

• Musician
• Composer
• Singer
• Music Teacher
• Conductor

Take the Multiple Intelligences Quiz

Strengths: Understanding and Relating to Other People

Those who have strong interpersonal intelligence are good understanding and interacting with other people. These individuals are skilled at assessing the emotions, motivations, desires and intentions of those around them.

Characteristics of Interpersonal Intelligence

• Good at communicating verbally
• Skilled nonverbal communicators
• See situations from different perspectives
• Create positive relationships with others
• Good at resolving conflict in groups

Potential Career Choices

• Psychologist
• Philosopher
• Counselor
• Sales person
• Politician

Take the Multiple Intelligences Quiz

Strengths: Introspection and Self-Reflection

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 day-dreaming, exploring relationships with others and assessing their personal strengths.

Characteristics of Intrapersonal Intelligence

• Good at analyzing their strengths and weaknesses
• Enjoys analyzing theories and ideas
• Excellent self-awareness
• Clearly understands the basis for their own motivations and feelings

Potential Career Choices

• Philosopher
• Writer
• Theorist
• Scientist

Take the Multiple Intelligences Quiz

Strengths: Finding Patters and Relationships to Nature

Naturalistic is the most recent addition to Gardner’s theory ⁵ 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.

Characteristics of Naturalistic Intelligence

• Interested in subjects such as botany, biology and zoology
• Good at categorizing and cataloging information easily
• May enjoy camping, gardening, hiking and exploring the outdoors
• Doesn’t enjoy learning unfamiliar topics that have no connection to nature

Potential Career Choices

• Biologist
• Conservationist
• Gardener
• Farmer

Take the Multiple Intelligences Quiz

References:

¹ Gardner, H. (1983) Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books.

² Gardner, H. (2004). A Multiplicity of Intelligences. http://www.howardgardner.com/Papers/documents/T-101%20A%20Multiplicity%20REVISED.pdf

³ Gardner, H. (2001). The Three Faces of Intelligence. http://www.howardgardner.com/Papers/documents/T-101%20A%20Multiplicity%20REVISED.pdf

⁴ Waterhouse, L. (2006a). Multiple Intelligences, the Mozart Effect, and Emotional Intelligence: A critical review. Educational Psychologist, 41(4), Fall 2006, pp. 207-225.

⁵ Gardner, H. (1999). Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century. New York: Basic Books.