Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences
By
Kendra Cherry, MSEd
Updated on March 11, 2023
Reviewed by
David Susman, PhD
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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. The eight intelligences according to Gardner are:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Visual-spatial
Linguistic-verbal
Logical-mathematical
Body-kinesthetic
Musical
Interpersonal
Intrapersonal
Naturalistic
Illustration by JR Bee, Verywell
What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?
Gardner's 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."1
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, spatialvisual, and linguistic intelligences.
While a person might be particularly strong in a specific area, such as
musical intelligence, they most likely possesses a range of abilities. For
example, an individual might be strong in verbal, musical, and naturalistic
intelligence.
Criticism of Multiple Intelligences
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.2
Gardner has cautioned that multiple intelligences should not be conflated
with learning styles.3 (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.)4
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.5
Strengths
Visual and spatial judgment
Characteristics
People with visual-spatial intelligence:
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Read and write for enjoyment
Are good at putting puzzles together
Interpret pictures, graphs, and charts well
Enjoy drawing, painting, and the visual arts
Recognize patterns easily
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you
are:
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

Architect
Artist
Engineer
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.1
Strengths
Words, language, and writing
Characteristics
People with linguistic-verbal intelligence:
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Remember written and spoken information
Enjoy reading and writing
Debate or give persuasive speeches
Are able to explain things well
Use humor when telling stories
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you
are:
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
Writer/journalist
Lawyer
Teacher
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.6
Strengths
Analyzing problems and mathematical operations
Characteristics
People with logical-mathematical intelligence:
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Have excellent problem-solving skills
Enjoy thinking about abstract ideas
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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:
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Scientist
Mathematician
Computer programmer
Engineer
Accountant
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.6
Strengths
Physical movement, motor control
Characteristics
People with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:
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Are skilled at dancing and sports
Enjoy creating things with his or her hands
Have excellent physical coordination
Remember by doing, rather than hearing or seeing
Potential Career Choices
If you're strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, good career choices for you
are:
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Craftsperson
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Dancer
Builder
Surgeon
Sculptor
Actor
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.7
Strengths
Rhythm and music
Characteristics
People with musical intelligence:
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Enjoy singing and playing musical instruments
Recognize musical patterns and tones easily
Remember songs and melodies
Have 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:
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Musician
Composer
Singer
Music teacher
Conductor
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.7
Strengths
Understanding and relating to other people
Characteristics
People with interpersonal intelligence:
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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:
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Psychologist
Philosopher
Counselor
Salesperson
Politician
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.7
Strengths
Introspection and self-reflection
Characteristics
People with intrapersonal intelligence:
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Analyze their strengths and weaknesses well
Enjoy analyzing theories and ideas
Have excellent self-awareness
Understand 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:
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Philosopher
Writer
Theorist
Scientist
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.1
Strengths
Finding patterns and relationships to nature
Characteristics
People with naturalistic intelligence:
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Are interested in subjects such as botany, biology, and zoology
Categorize and catalog information easily
Enjoy camping, gardening, hiking, and exploring the outdoors
Dislikes 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:
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Biologist
Conservationist
Gardener
Farmer
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:
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Have a long-term outlook
Consider how current actions influence future outcomes
Interest in questions about the meaning of life and death
Strong interest and concern for others
The 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:
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

Philosopher
Theologian
Pastoral counselor

Pastor
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
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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.8
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