Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences proposes that intelligence is composed of distinct abilities or intelligences rather than a single general ability. The document discusses eight intelligences identified by Gardner: verbal-linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist. Each intelligence has its own operating system in the brain and involves different skills. While the intelligences operate independently in the brain, they typically work together to complete real-world tasks.
![Michele R. Acosta
recognize and classify elements from the natural world (e.g. farming or biological
science).
The exact combination of intelligences varies from person to person. For example, one
person might be strong in the verbal-linguistic and interpersonal intelligences with secondary
strengths in the intrapersonal, spatial, and musical intelligences and weaknesses in the
logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, and naturalist intelligences. Another person could
have an entirely different combination of intelligences. Each person's makeup of intelligences
is very similar to DNA; no one has exactly the same combination of intelligences.
Gardner's criteria for selecting these particular abilities as intelligences include:
independence from other intelligences (within the brain); having a central set of
information-processing operations; having a distinct developmental history; having roots in
evolutionary history; and having a cultural basis. When Gardner says that intelligences are
independent, he is referring to separate sections of the brain that control each intelligence
and have distinct methods of processing information. According to an article by Tina Blythe
and Gardner, each intelligence has its own "distinct mode of thinking."
Gardner's research with brain-injured adults and with autistic children has indicated that the
human brain has separate areas that control separate functions. For example, Gardner
described a woman who suffered a brain injury and lost the ability to speak, yet she
maintained her ability to sing. This example shows that the verbal-linguistic intelligence
functions separately from the musical intelligence.
Gardner makes a distinction between the isolation of each intelligence within the structure of
the human brain and the isolation of the intelligences when called upon to complete
real-world operations. Intelligences do not work independently of one another in a real-world
setting. According to the theory, most tasks require the simultaneous use of several
intelligences in order to be completed successfully. Bruce Torff offers the example of a chess
player who must use logic and spatial skills to plan ahead and figure out moves and must
also use interpersonal skills to figure out the opponent's defense and plan of action. The
intelligences are separate entities which operate in conjunction with each other to create the
whole of each individual's ability.
References:
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Blythe, T., & Gardner, H. (1990). A school for all intelligences. Educational Leadership, 47 (7), 33-37.
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Checkley, K. (1997). The first seven ... and the eighth: A conversation with Howard Gardner. Expanded Academic
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Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: Basic Books.
Gardner, H. (1995a). Multiple intelligences as a catalyst. English Journal, 84 (8), 16-18.
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![Michele R. Acosta
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