Cracking Open The Iq Box Howard Gardner
Cracking Open The IQ Box: Howard Gardner
Have you ever wondered what intelligence is? How do we measure it? Is it fixed or flexible? Is it one thing or many? These are some of the questions that have fascinated psychologists for decades. One of the most influential thinkers on this topic is Howard Gardner, an American developmental psychologist who proposed a radical theory of multiple intelligences.
Howard Gardner was born in 1943 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, to Jewish immigrants who fled Nazi Germany. He was a curious and talented child who loved reading and playing the piano. He studied at Harvard University under Erik Erikson, a famous psychoanalyst who influenced his interest in human development. He later became a professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education and a co-director of Project Zero, a research center that explores learning in various domains.
Gardner's most famous contribution to psychology is his theory of multiple intelligences, which he first presented in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. In this book, he challenged the conventional view of intelligence as a single entity that can be measured by a single IQ score. He argued that human intelligence is much more complex and diverse than that. He identified eight types of intelligence that reflect different ways of processing information and solving problems.
In this article, we will explore what these eight types of intelligence are, how they differ from each other, and how they have implications for education, assessment, career choices, and human potential. We will also answer some frequently asked questions about Howard Gardner and his theory of multiple intelligences.
The Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences is based on two main assumptions. First, he assumes that intelligence is not a single, fixed, and innate ability, but rather a set of abilities that can be developed and improved over time. Second, he assumes that intelligence is not a general, uniform, and universal capacity, but rather a specific, diverse, and cultural capacity. He defines intelligence as \\\"the ability to solve problems or to create products that are valued within one or more cultural settings\\\".
Based on these assumptions, Gardner identified eight types of intelligence that represent different ways of thinking and learning. He also suggested that there might be more types of intelligence that have not been discovered yet. He did not claim that these types of intelligence are independent or mutually exclusive, but rather that they are interrelated and complementary. He also did not claim that these types of intelligence are equally distributed or valued in all individuals or cultures, but rather that they vary depending on genetic, environmental, and cultural factors.
Here are the eight types of intelligence that Gardner proposed, along with some examples of how they manifest in different domains and activities.
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
This type of intelligence involves the ability to reason logically, solve mathematical problems, and understand abstract concepts. People with high logical-mathematical intelligence can analyze patterns, relationships, and systems, and use symbols and formulas to represent them. They can also perform mental calculations, deduce hypotheses, and test them empirically.
Some examples of domains and activities that require logical-mathematical intelligence are mathematics, science, engineering, computer programming, logic puzzles, chess, and sudoku.
Linguistic Intelligence
This type of intelligence involves the ability to use language effectively, both verbally and in writing, and to appreciate its nuances and meanings. People with high linguistic intelligence can communicate clearly and persuasively, express their thoughts and feelings, learn new languages, and understand complex texts. They can also play with words, create rhymes and metaphors, and enjoy jokes and puns.
Some examples of domains and activities that require linguistic intelligence are literature, poetry, journalism, storytelling, speechwriting, debating, crossword puzzles, scrabble, and spelling bees.
Musical Intelligence
This type of intelligence involves the ability to perceive, create, and appreciate musical patterns, sounds, and rhythms. People with high musical intelligence can recognize and produce melodies, harmonies, tones, and timbres. They can also sing, play instruments, compose songs, improvise music, and analyze musical structures.
Some examples of domains and activities that require musical intelligence are music performance, composition, theory, criticism, history, and education.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
This type of intelligence involves the ability to use one's body skillfully, both for physical expression and for manipulating objects. People with high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence can coordinate their movements, balance, agility, and strength. They can also control their fine and gross motor skills, and learn new physical skills quickly and easily.
Some examples of domains and activities that require bodily-kinesthetic intelligence are sports, dance, theater, martial arts, crafts, surgery, and mechanics.
Spatial Intelligence
This type of intelligence involves the ability to visualize and manipulate spatial information, such as shapes, images, maps, and directions. People with high spatial intelligence can orient themselves in space, create mental images, transform and rotate objects, and draw and design plans. They can also navigate and explore new environments, and appreciate visual arts and aesthetics.
Some examples of domains and activities that require spatial intelligence are architecture, art, photography, sculpture, cartography, geometry, astronomy, and video games.
Interpersonal Intelligence
This type of intelligence involves the ability to understand and interact with other people, both individually and in groups. People with high interpersonal intelligence can empathize with others' feelings, motives, and perspectives. They can also communicate effectively, collaborate and cooperate, resolve conflicts, and influence and persuade others.
Some examples of domains and activities that require interpersonal intelligence are psychology, sociology, anthropology, education, counseling, politics, diplomacy, sales, marketing, and leadership.
Intrapersonal Intelligence
This type of intelligence involves the ability to understand oneself, one's emotions, motivations, strengths, and weaknesses. People with high intrapersonal intelligence can self-reflect and self-reg