Multiple Intelligence Types

Howard Gardner, a professor of cognition and education at the Harvard University, developed the theory of multiple intelligences (MI) in 1983. The word 'intelligence' is coined from a Latin word intellegere, which means 'to understand'. Intelligence is the ability to acquire and apply knowledge. Let's discuss the multiple intelligence types of Gardner.

Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Traditionally, the concept 'intelligence' is based on intelligence quotient (IQ) test. Though, IQ is assumed to be a standard test, a set to assess intellect of a person in a particular subject or task, it cannot refer to human intellect as the whole. For example, if a student scored less marks in math but he can draw nice paintings, how will you calculate his intellect? Do you think his painting art is an outstanding and unique skill that can be an intellectual activity? But, what about other talents and creative skills of an individual? Howard also came across the same questions and thought out an ideology of assessment based on IQ.

However, intelligent quotient test is reliable, but it restricts an individual from his unique abilities to some extent. Howard worked on different parameters of intelligence and devised the theory of 'MI'. His multiple intelligence theory was an invention in the study of human psychology. According to Howard Gardner, intelligence is 'the capacity to solve problems or to fashion products which are valued in one or more cultural settings'. Previously, he categorized the 'MI' into seven types, i.e. linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, spatial-visual, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence. Earlier, he added two more type of intelligence, namely, naturalist and existential intelligences.

Nine Multiple Intelligence Types

Types of MI	Characteristics	Suitable Professions
Linguistic Intelligence	Ability to learn different languages, grammar, syntax and vocabulary.	Editor, writer, reporter, translator, salesperson, poet, linguistician, lawyer, novelist, secretary, speaker and journalist
Logical/Mathematical Intelligence	Experts in math, reasoning and logic.	Computer programmer, mathematician, accountant, banker, logician, lawyer and scientist
Spatial Intelligence	Has the sensitivity to understand images and direction.	Advertiser, artist, pilot, sailor, geographer, tailor, engineer and builder
Musical Intelligence	Fond of music, sound, rhythm and can analyze tones and pitch.	Singer, musician, composer and music teacher, piano tuner, violinist and choir or choral director
Body-kinesthetic Intelligence	Activities related to control of body movement.	Carpenter, actor, juggler, magician, dancer and sportsmen
Interpersonal Intelligence	Gifted with leadership qualities and organizing, as well as understanding other people.	Religious and political leader, educators, salesperson, counselor, peacemakers, administrator, anthropologist, psychologist, and mediator
Intrapersonal Intelligence	Analyzing things, self-reflection, setting goals and motivations	Clergy, nurse, spiritual counselor, analyzer and philosopher
Naturalist Intelligence	Understanding the natural world and has the ability to easily classify animal species.	Biologist, anthropologist, geologist, zoologist and environmental scientist, gatherer, farmer and bird watcher
Existential intelligence	Thinks beyond life, death, and after death, in other words, what lies beyond the subjective perspective.	Astrologist and theologian

The above-mentioned multiple intelligence types are categorized, according to the characteristics and professions of individuals. One may be gifted with one or more types of intelligence.