Type of intelligence Description
Verbal–linguistic Represented by having a good command of language. It allows people to express their thoughts clearly and precisely. While this skill is important for everyone, it is especially important for authors, journalists, and those in the business world.
Logical–mathematical Includes tasks such as deciding if the correct change was received from a clerk, balancing a checkbook, or paying bills. Physical scientists and those who work with numbers need mathematical intelligence.
Spatial Refers to the ability to think three dimensionally, to be able to take a flat pic- ture or an architectural drawing and mentally visualize its existence.
Bodily–kinesthetic Related to muscular movement and specific physical skills. Professional danc- ers, athletes, craftspeople, and surgeons have this type of intelligence.
Musical Includes sensitivity to rhythm, melody, pitch, tone, and other aspects of music. Expressions of musical intelligence are seen among those who are good at composing or performing music, as well as those who can analyze the compo- sitions of others.
Interpersonal Refers to the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. Such intelligence involves not only the ability to understand the obvious meaning of what others say, but also to recognize the hidden meaning behind words and nonverbal communication. Such skills are important for teachers, psycholo- gists, business professionals, parents, and others.
Intrapersonal Refers to the ability to understand oneself, to be able to explore the depths of the mind and emotions, drawing conclusions and personal insights. Those with good intrapersonal intelligence understand their personal strengths and weaknesses and plan accordingly.
Naturalistic Proposed by Gardner in 1999, after his original seven intelligences. People who are “nature smart” excel at understanding the patterns and meaning of nature, from cloud formations and wind patterns to smells and the feel of earth. This type of intelligence is important to farmers, botanists, ranchers, and ecologists.
As Table 9.2 shows, each of the intelligences has distinct importance. A person who dem- onstrates ability in one area is not necessarily more or less intelligent than a person who demonstrates different abilities. Even though intelligence is biologically based, education is an important determinant in transforming potential into a usable process (Connell, Sheridan, & Gardner, 2003). What sets Gardner’s theory apart is the notion that intelligence is more than just mental abilities: it includes physical, social, and creative abilities as well. Gardner says that observing these intelligences in context is more appropriate than trying to measure them with a test. The difficulty of measuring the multiple intelligences is one of the criticisms of this theory.
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