Howard Gardner's theory that intelligence is not a single general capacity but a set of distinct intellectual abilities, originally eight, that reflect different ways of engaging with problems and materials. First proposed in his 1983 book Frames of Mind, the theory challenged single-score IQ models and has been widely applied to curriculum design intended to draw on more than one kind of ability.
Facts
Core ClaimHuman beings possess several relatively independent intelligences, such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal and intrapersonal, rather than one general intelligence measurable by a single score. 1 Connections
Associated With
Source Emporia State University, How To Individualize Education With Multiple Intelligence Theory
Developed By
Source Simply Psychology
Additional Source WikipediaTheory of multiple intelligences, lead section
In Approach
Includes
Open Questions
Sources
1. Simply Psychology
Simply Psychologysimplypsychology.org/multiple-intelligences.html, overview section
Howard Gardner first proposed the theory of multiple intelligences in his 1983 book Frames of Mind.
simplypsychology.org/multiple-intelligences.html, the eight intelligences section
Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Spatial, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Musical, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, and Naturalist.
- Developed By: Howard Gardner
View the Source Wikipedia
Wikimedia FoundationTheory of multiple intelligences, lead section
Human intelligence is not a single general ability but comprises various distinct modalities, such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, and spatial intelligences.
Theory of multiple intelligences, Criticism
Critics argue that MI cannot be taken seriously as a scientific theory of intelligence for a number of reasons.
Theory of multiple intelligences article, introduction
Introduced in Howard Gardner's book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1983), this framework has gained popularity among educators.
Theory of multiple intelligences article, abbreviation
Despite its educational impact, MI has faced criticism from the psychological and scientific communities.
In Approach: Cognitivism, Theory of multiple intelligences article, cognitive framing
In 1983, the field of cognitive neuroscience was embryonic, but Gardner was one of the early psychological theorists to describe direct links between brain systems and intelligence.
View the Source Emporia State University, How To Individualize Education With Multiple Intelligence Theory
Associated With: Personalized Learning, Engaging New Teaching Strategies sectionQuote, Associated With: Personalized Learning, Engaging New Teaching Strategies section
Educators with an understanding of multiple intelligences should apply this knowledge in their lesson planning and offer multiple ways to access information
Simply Psychology
Includes: Howard Gardner, overview sectionQuote, Includes: Howard Gardner, overview section
Howard Gardner first proposed the theory of multiple intelligences in his 1983 book Frames of Mind.
Open Questions (1 open question)
Does empirical evidence support Gardner's eight intelligences as independent, measurable abilities?
Howard Gardner proposed eight distinct intelligences from clinical and developmental observation rather than factor analytic testing. Critics in psychology and psychometrics argue the theory cannot be confirmed or falsified with standard testing methods and that the proposed intelligences do not emerge as statistically independent factors in the data, while the theory keeps wide influence in classroom practice. The dispute is about the evidentiary basis for the model, not about whether people have varied strengths.
What would resolve this Large factor analytic studies using validated tests for each proposed intelligence, showing the eight domains as statistically independent factors rather than correlated expressions of general intelligence, would settle whether the model is a confirmed scientific taxonomy or an influential but empirically unconfirmed framework.
Psychometrics and cognitive psychologyWikipedia
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