Do you know the different types of intelligence that exist? We explain what they are and what they consist of.
Multiple intelligences theory: definition and criteria of the different types of intelligence according to Gardner
Howard Gardner published “Frames of Mind” (Structures of the mind) in the year 1983, where he exposes his concept of intelligence. For the author, “intelligence is the ability to solve problems, to produce products that are of great value for a given community or cultural context” (Gardner, 1993).
In this way, Gardner understands intelligence as something multidimensional. For him, it is not a monolithic construct as IQ might imply, since in real life there are different types of demands that require cognitive solutions.
Therefore, the potential and cognitive style of each one is of great complexity and richness, and its expression is conditioned by experience, environment, education received, motivation, etc.
Gardner categorize the different cognitive skills that represent what we would call intelligence . In order to describe these types of intelligence he points out a series of criteria that must be met (1983):
- It continues to manifest in cases of specific brain injuries. For example, in the event of a stroke, speech can be maintained.
- Its development can be traced throughout human evolution.
- There are a number of basic operations.
- It is susceptible to coding (symbolic expression as in the case of music).
- It has a distinctive developmental history for each individual, being able to describe performance as an expert.
- The existence of exceptional people with this ability, such as people with the sage syndrome (or savant syndrome) or other eminent individuals.
- Support from the results of the experimental studies.
- Support from the findings obtained in psychometry through tests and other instruments.
The 8 different types of intelligence according to Gardner
Next we are going to see the different types of intelligence that exist according to Howard Gardner . The author and his team from Harvard University identified eight different intelligences, although there is currently an open debate about the advisability of including a ninth type of intelligence that we will also introduce
1. Logical-mathematical intelligence
Logical-mathematical intelligence is the one that has enjoyed the most recognition in Western societies and in their educational systems . This has been favored by the fact that the paradigmatic conception of the intelligence construct has revolved around the concept of IQ throughout most of the history of psychology.
This type of intelligence is related to the ability to reason at a logical level and to solve mathematical problems. To determine how much logical-mathematical intelligence is taken into account if the person can provide solutions to this type of situation and how quickly.
2. Linguistic intelligence
Linguistic intelligence is related to the ability to master language . It is about the competence we have when it comes to communicating orally but also through writing or gestures.
Linguistic intelligence goes beyond our ability to communicate with our mother tongue, and allows us to communicate effectively in a very transversal way. Writers, poets, journalists and politicians relate to this type of intelligence.
3. Spatial intelligence
From here on, the skills that appear have traditionally been little recognized or rewarded by society. In this case we are talking about spatial intelligence, which refers to the ability to observe and mentally represent from different visual perspectives .
People with a high capacity for spatial intelligence excel at mentally representing images or realities in three dimensions, detecting details, drawing, and in general have a special aesthetic sense. Therefore, in this type of intelligence artists, photographers, painters, architects, advertisers and even chess players can stand out.
4. Bodily and kinesthetic intelligence
Bodily and kinesthetic intelligence is related to all those challenges related to the use of the body . It has a lot to do with the ability to mentally represent the world, visualizing images and calculating according to speeds, weights, spaces, surfaces, etc.
Other abilities related to this intelligence are coordination between sight and the motor cortex and the cerebellum, strength, flexibility or speed. Also the most intuitive abilities that use the body as a way to express feelings or art.
All those professionals who make a living with their bodies stand out, such as athletes, dancers, professionals in circus arts, etc.
5. Musical intelligence
Musical intelligence is the ability that manifests itself in relation to any musical act . It focuses on the ability to interpret one’s own music and all kinds of sounds, as well as the ability to sing, compose songs, play instruments, have a good “tempo”, etc.
Obviously it is related to musicians, composers, music lovers, sound technicians, etc. These professionals have dedicated themselves exclusively to promoting this competence, which, after all, can be trained like all others beyond the potential of each one.
6. Interpersonal intelligence
Interpersonal intelligence allows us to understand and understand other people . It is a capacity that allows us to perceive distinctions in the moods or thoughts of other people. People with high interpersonal skills know how to interpret different moods, motivations, or temperaments of the people around them.
Suppose a very functional skill both on a personal level and on many professional occasions, and that is because, after all, humans are social beings. Psychologists, therapists, social workers, caregivers, coaches or lawyers are some of the professionals who stand out in this type of intelligence.
7. Intrapersonal intelligence
Intrapersonal intelligence refers to a person’s capacity for self-knowledge . The ability to be aware of how we feel and interpret and guide our behavior is the axis of this type of intelligence.
It is, therefore, a type of intelligence that focuses on internal key interpretations. It allows us to understand ourselves in order to work with ourselves, and allows us to control our own emotions and thoughts, set goals, evaluate our own abilities and personal advantages and disadvantages, etc.
In our society this has been a very undervalued skill, although it seems that in some educational centers they are trying to remedy it. It is one of the reasons why meditation or yoga is gaining so much popularity.
8. Naturalistic Intelligence
In Western societies there has been a remarkable disconnect between humans and the natural environment. We cannot deny our intimate evolutionary link with nature, and in 1995 Gardner added naturalistic intelligence to the list.
Naturalistic intelligence focuses on the ability to observe and recognize nature . Identify different species, as well as geographical, climatological or biological phenomena.
It has the ability, therefore, to understand the relationships established between the different elements of the natural world, but it can also be extrapolated to more human environments and can be applied in different areas of culture and general knowledge.
Environmental professionals, biologists or veterinarians are examples of people who develop this type of skills.
existential intelligence
As we have said before, there is a debate about whether this type of intelligence should be included in the list or not. Therefore, we talk about it but we must bear in mind that it is not part of the work published by Gardner.
It is about existential intelligence, which would be related to the ability to think about abstract issues. Reflecting on oneself, having the ability to see the world from other perspectives and understanding our existence in relation to the universe would characterize this intelligence.
Bibliographic references
- Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Nueva York, NY, EUA: Basic Books.
- Gardner, H. (2006). Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and Practice. New York: Basic Books.
- Gardner, H., y Moran, S. (2006). The Science of Multiple Intelligences Theory: A Response to Lynn Waterhouse. Educational Psychologist, 41 (4), 227-232.
To the classic question “what do you do?” I always answer “basically I am a psychologist”. In fact, my academic training has revolved around the psychology of development, education and community, a field of study influenced my volunteer activities, as well as my first work experiences in personal services.
