Theories Cognitive Psychology Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences By Kendra Cherry Kendra Cherry Facebook Twitter Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology. Learn about our editorial process Updated on October 19, 2022 Medically reviewed Verywell Mind articles are reviewed by board-certified physicians and mental healthcare professionals. Medical Reviewers confirm the content is thorough and accurate, reflecting the latest evidence-based research. Content is reviewed before publication and upon substantial updates. Learn more. by David Susman, PhD Medically reviewed by David Susman, PhD David Susman, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist with experience providing treatment to individuals with mental illness and substance use concerns. Learn about our Medical Review Board Print The concept of multiple intelligences is a theory proposed by Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner. When you hear the word intelligence, the concept of IQ testing may immediately come to mind. Intelligence is often defined as our intellectual potential; something we are born with, something that can be measured, and a capacity that is difficult to change. In recent years, however, other views of intelligence have emerged, including Gardner's suggestion that multiple different types of intelligence may exist. Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have? Theory of Multiple Intelligences This theory suggests that traditional psychometric views of intelligence are too limited. Gardner first outlined his theory in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, where he suggested that all people have different kinds of "intelligences." Gardner proposed that there are eight intelligences, and has suggested the possible addition of a ninth known as "existentialist intelligence." In order to capture the full range of abilities and talents that people possess, Gardner theorizes that people do not have just an intellectual capacity, but have many kinds of intelligence, including musical, interpersonal, spatial-visual, and linguistic intelligences. While a person might be particularly strong in a specific area, such as musical intelligence, he or she most likely possesses a range of abilities. For example, an individual might be strong in verbal, musical, and naturalistic intelligence. Criticism Gardner’s theory has come under criticism from both psychologists and educators. These critics argue that Gardner’s definition of intelligence is too broad and that his eight different "intelligences" simply represent talents, personality traits, and abilities. Gardner’s theory also suffers from a lack of supporting empirical research. Despite this, the theory of multiple intelligences enjoys considerable popularity with educators. Many teachers utilize multiple intelligences in their teaching philosophies and work to integrate Gardner’s theory into the classroom. Gardner has cautioned that multiple intelligences should not be conflated with learning styles. (It is also important to stress that evidence has found that matching instruction to a learner's perceived style has no benefits in terms of learning outcomes or educational attainment.) There is a lack of evidence to demonstrate that learning according to your "intelligence" produces better educational outcomes. However, you may find that learning more about multiple intelligences can give you a better understanding of your strengths and preferences. 1 Visual-Spatial Intelligence People who are strong in visual-spatial intelligence are good at visualizing things. These individuals are often good with directions as well as maps, charts, videos, and pictures. Strengths Visual and spatial judgment Characteristics People with visual-spatial intelligence: Read and write for enjoymentAre good at putting puzzles togetherInterpret pictures, graphs, and charts wellEnjoy drawing, painting, and the visual artsRecognize patterns easily Potential Career Choices If you're strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are: ArchitectArtistEngineer 2 Linguistic-Verbal Intelligence People who are strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence are able to use words well, both when writing and speaking. These individuals are typically very good at writing stories, memorizing information, and reading. Strengths Words, language, and writing Characteristics People with linguistic-verbal intelligence: Remember written and spoken informationEnjoy reading and writingDebate or give persuasive speechesAre able to explain things wellUse humor when telling stories Potential Career Choices If you're strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are: Writer/journalistLawyerTeacher 3 Logical-Mathematical Intelligence People who are strong in logical-mathematical intelligence are good at reasoning, recognizing patterns, and logically analyzing problems. These individuals tend to think conceptually about numbers, relationships, and patterns. Strengths Analyzing problems and mathematical operations Characteristics People with logical-mathematical intelligence: Have excellent problem-solving skills Enjoy thinking about abstract ideas Like conducting scientific experiments Can solve complex computations Potential Career Choices If you're strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, good career choices for you are: ScientistMathematicianComputer programmerEngineerAccountant 4 Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence Those who have high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are said to be good at body movement, performing actions, and physical control. People who are strong in this area tend to have excellent hand-eye coordination and dexterity. Strengths Physical movement, motor control Characteristics People with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence: Are skilled at dancing and sportsEnjoy creating things with his or her handsHave excellent physical coordinationRemember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing Potential Career Choices If you're strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, good career choices for you are: Craftsperson DancerBuilderSurgeonSculptorActor 5 Musical Intelligence People who have strong musical intelligence are good at thinking in patterns, rhythms, and sounds. They have a strong appreciation for music and are often good at musical composition and performance. Strengths Rhythm and music Characteristics People with musical intelligence: Enjoy singing and playing musical instrumentsRecognize musical patterns and tones easilyRemember songs and melodiesHave a rich understanding of musical structure, rhythm, and notes Potential Career Choices If you're strong in musical intelligence, good career choices for you are: MusicianComposerSingerMusic teacherConductor 6 Interpersonal Intelligence Those who have strong interpersonal intelligence are good at understanding and interacting with other people. These individuals are skilled at assessing the emotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them. Strengths Understanding and relating to other people Characteristics People with interpersonal intelligence: Communicate well verbally Are skilled at nonverbal communication See situations from different perspectives Create positive relationships with others Resolve conflicts in group settings Potential Career Choices If you're strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are: PsychologistPhilosopherCounselorSalespersonPolitician 7 Intrapersonal Intelligence Individuals who are strong in intrapersonal intelligence are good at being aware of their own emotional states, feelings, and motivations. They tend to enjoy self-reflection and analysis, including daydreaming, exploring relationships with others, and assessing their personal strengths. Strengths Introspection and self-reflection Characteristics People with intrapersonal intelligence: Analyze their strengths and weaknesses wellEnjoy analyzing theories and ideasHave excellent self-awarenessUnderstand the basis for his or her own motivations and feelings Potential Career Choices If you're strong in intrapersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are: PhilosopherWriterTheoristScientist 8 Naturalistic Intelligence Naturalistic is the most recent addition to Gardner’s theory and has been met with more resistance than his original seven intelligences. According to Gardner, individuals who are high in this type of intelligence are more in tune with nature and are often interested in nurturing, exploring the environment, and learning about other species. These individuals are said to be highly aware of even subtle changes to their environments. Strengths Finding patterns and relationships to nature Characteristics People with naturalistic intelligence: Are interested in subjects such as botany, biology, and zoologyCategorize and catalog information easilyEnjoy camping, gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoorsDislikes learning unfamiliar topics that have no connection to nature Potential Career Choices If you're strong in naturalistic intelligence, good career choices for you are: BiologistConservationistGardenerFarmer Theories of Intelligence in Psychology 9 Existential Intelligence Existential intelligence is the ninth type of intelligence suggested as an addition to Gardner's original theory. He described existential intelligence as an ability to delve into deeper questions about life and existence. People with this type of intelligence contemplate the "big" questions about topics such as the meaning of life and how actions can serve larger goals. Strengths An ability to see the big picture Characteristics People with existential intelligence: Have a long-term outlookConsider how current actions influence future outcomesInterest in questions about the meaning of life and deathStrong interest and concern for othersThe ability to see situations from an outside perspective Potential Career Choices If you have a strong sense of existential intelligence, you might enjoy a career as a: PhilosopherTheologianPastoral counselorPastor A Word From Verywell The theory of multiple intelligences is important because it allows us to think about different types of mental strengths and abilities. Learning more about which types of intelligence you lean towards may help you learn to recognize your own preferences. However, it shouldn't be used as a tool to label and should not be confused with learning styles. Instead of trying to match what you learn to your perceived type of intelligence, focus on learning new things via various modalities and formats to strengthen encoding and reinforce learning. Frequently Asked Questions How do you tell if your child is a kinesthetic learner? Your child may have high bodily kinesthetic intelligence if they prefer hands on experiences, struggle sitting still and listening for long periods of time, and/or remember information best when they're able to participate in an activity. They may also prefer working alone instead of working in a group. How can I increase my bodily kinesthetic intelligence? To tap into your bodily kinesthetic intelligence, try performing activities that require using both your body and mind, such as taking a dance class, learning an instrument, or drawing. 9 Sources Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Bakić-mirić N. Implementation of multiple intelligences theory in the English language course syllabus at the University of Nis Medical School. Srp Arh Celok Lek. 2010;138(1-2):105-10. Cerruti C. Building a functional multiple intelligences theory to advance educational neuroscience. Front Psychol. 2013;4:950. doi:10.3389/fpsyg.2013.00950 The Washington Post. Howard Gardner: 'Multiple intelligences' are not 'learning styles.' Husmann PR, O'Loughlin VD. Another nail in the coffin for learning styles? Disparities among undergraduate anatomy students' study strategies, class performance, and reported VARK learning styles. Anat Sci Educ. 2019;12(1):6-19. doi:10.1002/ase.1777 Levine SC, Ratliff KR, Huttenlocher J, Cannon J. Early puzzle play: a predictor of preschoolers' spatial transformation skill. Dev Psychol. 2012;48(2):530-42. doi:10.1037/a0025913 Singh Y, Makharia A, Sharma A, Agrawal K, Varma G, Yadav T. A study on different forms of intelligence in Indian school-going children. Ind Psychiatry J. 2017;26(1):71-76. doi:10.4103/ipj.ipj_61_16 Sternberg RJ. Intelligence. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2012;14(1):19-27. Koohestani HR, Baghcheghi N. A comparison of learning styles of undergraduate health-care professional students at the beginning, middle, and end of the educational course over a 4-year study period (2015-2018). J Educ Health Promot. 2020;9:208. doi:10.4103/jehp.jehp_224_20 Michelaki E, Bournelli P. The development of bodily - Kinesthetic intelligence through creative dance for preschool students. JESR. doi:10.5901/jesr.2016.v6n3p23 Additional Reading Gardner H. On the Three Faces of Intelligence. Daedalus.Winter 2002;131(1):139-142. Gardner H. A Multiplicity of Intelligences. Published 2004. Gardner H. Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. New York: Basic Books; 1983. Gardner H. Intelligence Reframed: Multiple Intelligences for the 21st Century. New York: Basic Books; 1999. By Kendra Cherry Kendra Cherry, MS, is an author and educational consultant focused on helping students learn about psychology. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit