What is the Theory of Multiple Intelligences? Part 1: Biological Basis

Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences isintelligence has its own "distinct mode of
based on the premise that each individual's intelligencethinking."Gardner's research with brain-injured adults
is composed of multiple "intelligences," each of whichand with autistic children has indicated that the human
has its own independent operating system within thebrain has separate areas that control separate
brain. These intelligences include: verbal-linguistic,functions. For example, Gardner described a woman
logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical,who suffered a brain injury and lost the ability to
interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist.Thespeak, yet she maintained her ability to sing. This
verbal-linguistic intelligence is the use of both writtenexample shows that the verbal-linguistic intelligence
and spoken language for the purpose offunctions separately from the musical
communication. Those possessing the verbal-linguisticintelligence.Gardner makes a distinction between the
intelligence are sensitive to the meanings, sounds, andisolation of each intelligence within the structure of
rhythms of words. They love reading, poetry, tonguethe human brain and the isolation of the intelligences
twisters, puns, humor, puzzles, and riddles.Thewhen called upon to complete real-world operations.
logical-mathematical intelligence is the use of abstractIntelligences do not work independently of one
relationships presented in terms of either numbers oranother in a real-world setting. According to the
symbols. It also includes the use of logic and analysistheory, most tasks require the simultaneous use of
in the sense of logically organizing an essay orseveral intelligences in order to be completed
analyzing poetry. Those possessing thesuccessfully. Bruce Torff offers the example of a
logical-mathematical intelligence enjoy number games,chess player who must use logic and spatial skills to
problem solving, pattern games, and experimenting.plan ahead and figure out moves and must also use
They also do well with writing that involvesinterpersonal skills to figure out the opponent's
exposition, argumentation, definition, classification, anddefense and plan of action. The intelligences are
analysis.The spatial intelligence is the manipulation ofseparate entities which operate in conjunction with
objects within a given space, whether that space iseach other to create the whole of each individual's
the size of a piece of paper, a room, a building, or aability.References:Armstrong, T. (1994). Multiple
town. Those possessing the spatial intelligenceintelligences: Seven ways to approach curriculum.
respond to visual cues and they like to invent andExpanded Academic ASAP [on-line database]. Original
design.The bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the abilityPublication: Educational Leadership, 52 (3).Blythe, T., &
to use the body effectively to solve problems. ThoseGardner, H. (1990). A school for all intelligences.
possessing the bodily-kinesthetic intelligence enjoyEducational Leadership, 47 (7), 33-37.Campbell, L.,
dramatics, role-playing, dancing, and physicalCampbell, B., & Dickinson, D. (1992). Teaching and
expression.The musical intelligence is the ability tolearning through multiple intelligences. Stanwood, WA:
make use of the relationship between pitch, rhythm,New Horizons for Learning.Checkley, K. (1997). The
and timbre. Those possessing the musical intelligencefirst seven ... and the eighth: A conversation with
enjoy playing instruments, singing, and drumming, andHoward Gardner. Expanded Academic ASAP [on-line
they like the sounds of the human voice,database]. Original Publication: Education, 116.Gardner,
environmental sounds, and instrumental sounds. It hasH. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple
been described as hearing patterns.The interpersonalintelligences. New York: Basic Books.Gardner, H.
intelligence is the ability to understand the thoughts,(1995a). Multiple intelligences as a catalyst. English
beliefs, and intents of others and the ability toJournal, 84 (8), 16-18.Gardner, H. (1995b). Reflections
respond appropriately. Those possessing theon multiple intelligences: Myths and messages.
interpersonal intelligence are social and are in tuneExpanded Academic ASAP [on-line database]. Original
with the feelings of others. They make excellentPublication: Phi Delta Kappan, 77 (3).Gardner, H., &
leaders, can help their peers, and work cooperativelyHatch, T. (1990). Multiple intelligences go to school:
with others.The intrapersonal intelligence is a sense ofEducational implications of the theory of multiple
self-awareness used to guide individual behavior.intelligences (Tech. Rep. No. 4). New York: Center for
Those possessing the intrapersonal intelligence like toTechnology in Education. (ERIC Document
work independently. They are self-motivated andReproduction Service No. ED 324 366).Gray, J. H., &
self-aware.The naturalist intelligence is anViens, J. T. (1994). The theory of multiple intelligences:
understanding of the natural world and the ability toUnderstanding cognitive diversity in school. Expanded
use that understanding productively. ThoseAcademic ASAP [on-line database]. Original Publication:
possessing the naturalist intelligence can recognizeNational Forum, 74 (1).Meyer, M. (1997). The
and classify elements from the natural world (e.g.GREENing of learning: using the eighth intelligence.
farming or biological science).The exact combinationWilson Select [on-line database]. Original Publication:
of intelligences varies from person to person. ForEducational Leadership, 55.Moll, A. (n.d.). Kentucky
example, one person might be strong in theDepartment of Education. Multiple intelligences self
verbal-linguistic and interpersonal intelligences withprofile [WWW]. URL: (Accessed September 29,
secondary strengths in the intrapersonal, spatial, and1998).Reiff, J. C. (1996). Bridging home and school
musical intelligences and weaknesses in thethrough multiple intelligences. Expanded Academic
logical-mathematical, bodily-kinesthetic, and naturalistASAP [on-line database]. Original Publication: Childhood
intelligences. Another person could have an entirelyEducation, 72 (3).Smagorinsky, P. (1991). Expressions:
different combination of intelligences. Each person'sMultiple intelligences in the English class. Urbana, IL:
makeup of intelligences is very similar to DNA; no oneNational Council of Teachers of English.Smagorinsky,
has exactly the same combination ofP. (1995b). Multiple intelligences in the English class: An
intelligences.Gardner's criteria for selecting theseoverview. English Journal, 84 (8), 19-26.Torff, B.
particular abilities as intelligences include: independence(1996). How are you smart?: Multiple intelligences and
from other intelligences (within the brain); having aclassroom practices. The NAMTA Journal, 21 (2),
central set of information-processing operations;31-43.Michele R. Acosta is a writer, a former English
having a distinct developmental history; having rootsteacher, and the mother of three boys. She spends
in evolutionary history; and having a cultural basis.her time writing and teaching others to write. Visit
When Gardner says that intelligences arefor more articles, for professional writing/editing
independent, he is referring to separate sections ofservices, or TheWritingTutor.biz for other writing and
the brain that control each intelligence and haveeducational resources for young authors, teachers,
distinct methods of processing information. Accordingand parents.Copyright (c) 2004-2005 The Writing
to an article by Tina Blythe and Gardner, eachTutor & Michele R. Acosta. All rights reserved.