Howard Gardners Theory of Multiple Intelligence - Research Paper Example

Howard Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligence Howard Gardner came up with the theory of Multiple Intelligences in 1983 when he published the theory in his book, ‘Frame of Mind’. The basic concept of the theory stems from the ‘Project on Human Potential’, which set the stage for Gardner to come up with a new theory of Multiple Intelligences. Upon understanding the basic concept of the theory in detail, the sociologists, educationists, and psychologists of that time found it to be very useful in learning and teaching the core aspects of human behavior, personality development, and human intelligence. Today, the theory is being used as a Seven Multiple intelligences model to teach and understand intelligence and human behaviors. Although Garner is continuing to expand his theory further to eight or nine intelligences, but we will keep our focus on the seven established intelligences for this paper. Who is Howard Gardner? Before discussing the theory of Multiple Intelligences in detail, let us get a brief introduction of the theorist, Howard Gardner. Howard Gardner was born in the United States in 1943. He got his major education from Harvard University where he studied history, social relations, psychology, and human behaviors. His ideological beliefs and perceptions are influenced by some key figures related to the fields of psychology and sociology. Some of those prominent figures include Nelson Goodman, Jean piaget, Erik Erikson, and Jerome Bruner. Currently, Garner is serving as a professor in Boston University School of Medicine and Harvard University. Seven Intelligences of the Theory Multiple intelligence theory suggests that humans usually have a variety of intelligences that are independent of each other (Marchetti, n.d.). This theory is more humane and veridical as compared to alternative views of intelligence (Gardner, 2006, p. 6). The seven intelligences included in the Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences model are linguistic intelligence, logical/mathematical intelligence, musical intelligence, bodily/kinesthetic intelligence, visual/spatial intelligence, interpersonal intelligence, and intrapersonal intelligence (Bogin, 2012). Let us discuss all of them in detail in order to develop an understanding of key intelligences. Linguistic Intelligence This intelligence refers to the use of language to accomplish certain goals. A person can use language to write something, learn something, and to express his/her feelings to others. Linguistic intelligence also helps a person understand different concept related to his/her educational and professional field. However, the level of this intelligence varies from person to person. Some people are skilled in using this intelligence to achieve their personal and professional goals, whereas some people lack the ability to express themselves properly. Marketing personnel, teachers, writers, and lawyers usually have a higher level of linguistic intelligence, which they use to reach their audience in an effective manner. Logical/Mathematical Intelligence This intelligence refers to the use of logical thinking towards resolving complex issues. Logical and fact-based thinking is the critical aspect of this particular intelligence. The abilities of a person to assess issues logically and to carry out mathematical procedures to resolve problems are the stepping-stones toward logical/mathematical intelligence. “In Howard Gardner's words, it entails the ability to detect patterns, reason deductively and think logically” (Smith, 2008). A person having this intelligence understands the relationship between cause and effect and has the ability to use patterns and scientific thinking to reach to a specific end. The people who use this intelligence the most include scientists, researchers, statisticians, and engineers. Musical Intelligence Musical intelligence refers to the ability of a person to create different music tones, rhythms, and melodies. This intelligence also involves the ability of a person to show musical performance. Howard Gardner believes that musical intelligence requires a person to have linguistic intelligence because language is the key to develop different kinds of music. An understanding of the relationship between personal feelings and music rhythms and the ability to recognize different sounds and review musical works are the key aspects of musical intelligence. The people who use this intelligence the most include singers, music directors, producers, composers, party planners, and music trainers. Bodily/Kinesthetic Intelligence This type of intelligence refers to the ability of a person to use his/her body parts, such as, hands, legs, eyes, and brain to perform various activities of life. Physical and mental activities are directly related to each other. The reason is that brain controls the movements of all body parts, and thus acts as the main controller of body functions. Eye and body coordination, physical balance, and movement of different body parts as directed by the brain are some of the core aspects of bodily/kinesthetic intelligence. Any activity that involves some sort of physical movement comes under the category of bodily/kinesthetic intelligence. Every person in the world is able to show this intelligence. However, some of the main examples include soldiers, police officers, dancers, athletes, and fieldworkers. Visual/Spatial Intelligence “Spatial intelligence involves the potential to recognize and use the patterns of wide space and more confined areas” (Smith, 2008). A person having this intelligence is able to create visual images and understand the association between visual images and meanings. This intelligence also makes a person able to understand the relationship between space and effect. This intelligence makes a person convey some type of meaning to other people using cartoons and images. The people who use this intelligence the most include cartoonists, marketers, photographers, artists, and architects. Interpersonal Intelligence This intelligence refers to the ability of a person to understand the feelings and emotions of others in order to solve their personal problems. This intelligence makes a person able to understand different types of human behaviors and the relationship of those behaviors with the conditions that make a person show such behaviors. This intelligence also makes a person able to understand the mood of other people by observing their body language and facial expressions. The people who are expert in using this intelligence include psychologists, psychotherapists, mentors, doctors, and mediators. Intrapersonal Intelligence This intelligence refers to the ability of a person to understand his/her own feelings and emotions, as well as the relationship between those feelings and outside environment. This intelligence helps people to regulate their lives in accordance to their perception of self. This intelligence makes a person able to gain self-awareness and understand personal needs and objectives. Every person in the world can use this intelligence to gain awareness of personal beliefs and attitudes. These were the seven key intelligences included in the Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligences theory. Each of them is of critical importance for a person to understand human behaviors, as well as to feel the beauty of life in a true sense. References Bogin, M. (2012). Multiple Intelligences - Educational Success. Retrieved from http://ezinearticles.com/?Multiple-Intelligences---Educational-Success&id=6795889 Gardner, H. (2006). Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and Practice (2nd ed.). New York, NY: Basic Books. Marchetti, B. (n.d.). What Is the Theory of Multiple Intelligences?. Retrieved from http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-theory-of-multiple-intelligences.htm Smith, M. (2008). Howard Gardner, Multiple Intelligences and Education. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org/thinkers/gardner.htm Read More