Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theory: eight named intelligences with a possible ninth¶

Theory · All theories
Evidence · 4 claims (4 against) · 4 studies (2 review, 1 causal, 1 theoretical), q1–q3 · 0 of 4 report an effect size · 3 claims rest on one study

Description¶

The review briefly outlines Gardner's MI theory before presenting critics. Gardner defines intelligence as "a biopsychological potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture." The theory posits at least seven basic intelligences, later an eighth and a possible ninth: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, body-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist, with spiritual or existential intelligence mentioned but not officially included.

Design Implications¶

Context¶

Requirements¶

• The review states Gardner's theory rests on a modular picture of the brain in which mental activities are parceled out into various regions more autonomous from one another than previously thought

Constraints¶

• The review notes Gardner has not officially included the possible ninth spiritual or existential intelligence in his theory

Target Learners¶

• all students in K-12 classrooms

Target Learning Objectives¶

• recognizing and developing diverse human intellectual potentials across linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, body-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist domains

Claims¶

• Children scoring highly on one intelligence tend to score highly on others, consistent with general intelligence [-M]
• Learning Styles Matching Does Not Improve Learning [-M]
• MI theory lacks empirical theory-testing research supporting its intelligences as autonomous faculties [-M]
• The Theory of Multiple Intelligences is weak in stressing science and social sciences as fields of talent, and existing subject categories could nurture pupils' talents [-W]

Related Theories¶

• Multiple Intelligences Theory
• Integrated Bloom-MI grid as a two-perspective textbook analysis framework

Examples¶

-

Key Sources¶

• Peariso, J. F. (2008). Multiple Intelligences or Multiply Misleading: The Critic's View of the Multiple Intelligences Theory. Liberty University. https://eric.ed.gov/?id=ED500515