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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:
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 bookFrames 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, 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.
Gardner has cautioned that multiple intelligences should not be conflated withlearning 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.
1Visual-Spatial IntelligencePeople 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.StrengthsVisual and spatial judgmentCharacteristicsPeople 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 easilyPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are:ArchitectArtistEngineer
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Visual-Spatial IntelligencePeople 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.StrengthsVisual and spatial judgmentCharacteristicsPeople 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 easilyPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are:ArchitectArtistEngineer
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:
Potential Career Choices
If you’re strong in visual-spatial intelligence, good career choices for you are:
2Linguistic-Verbal IntelligencePeople 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.StrengthsWords, language, and writingCharacteristicsPeople with linguistic-verbal intelligence:Remember written and spoken informationEnjoy reading and writingDebate or give persuasive speechesAre able to explain things wellUse humor when telling storiesPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are:Writer/journalistLawyerTeacher
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Linguistic-Verbal IntelligencePeople 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.StrengthsWords, language, and writingCharacteristicsPeople with linguistic-verbal intelligence:Remember written and spoken informationEnjoy reading and writingDebate or give persuasive speechesAre able to explain things wellUse humor when telling storiesPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are:Writer/journalistLawyerTeacher
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.
Words, language, and writing
People with linguistic-verbal intelligence:
If you’re strong in linguistic-verbal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
3Logical-Mathematical IntelligencePeople 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.StrengthsAnalyzing problems and mathematical operationsCharacteristicsPeople with logical-mathematical intelligence:Have excellentproblem-solving skillsEnjoy thinking about abstract ideasLike conducting scientific experimentsCan solve complex computationsPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, good career choices for you are:ScientistMathematicianComputer programmerEngineerAccountant
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Logical-Mathematical IntelligencePeople 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.StrengthsAnalyzing problems and mathematical operationsCharacteristicsPeople with logical-mathematical intelligence:Have excellentproblem-solving skillsEnjoy thinking about abstract ideasLike conducting scientific experimentsCan solve complex computationsPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, good career choices for you are:ScientistMathematicianComputer programmerEngineerAccountant
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.
Analyzing problems and mathematical operations
People with logical-mathematical intelligence:
If you’re strong in logical-mathematical intelligence, good career choices for you are:
4
Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
Those who have high bodily-kinestheticintelligence 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.
Physical movement, motor control
People with bodily-kinesthetic intelligence:
If you’re strong in bodily-kinesthetic intelligence, good career choices for you are:
5Musical IntelligencePeople 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.StrengthsRhythm and musicCharacteristicsPeople 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 notesPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in musical intelligence, good career choices for you are:MusicianComposerSingerMusic teacherConductor
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Musical IntelligencePeople 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.StrengthsRhythm and musicCharacteristicsPeople 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 notesPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in musical intelligence, good career choices for you are:MusicianComposerSingerMusic teacherConductor
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.
Rhythm and music
People with musical intelligence:
If you’re strong in musical intelligence, good career choices for you are:
6Interpersonal IntelligenceThose who have strong interpersonal intelligence are good at understanding and interacting with other people. These individuals are skilled at assessing theemotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them.StrengthsUnderstanding and relating to other peopleCharacteristicsPeople with interpersonal intelligence:Communicate well verballyAre skilled atnonverbal communicationSee situations from different perspectivesCreate positive relationships with othersResolve conflicts in group settingsPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:PsychologistPhilosopherCounselorSalespersonPolitician
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Interpersonal IntelligenceThose who have strong interpersonal intelligence are good at understanding and interacting with other people. These individuals are skilled at assessing theemotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them.StrengthsUnderstanding and relating to other peopleCharacteristicsPeople with interpersonal intelligence:Communicate well verballyAre skilled atnonverbal communicationSee situations from different perspectivesCreate positive relationships with othersResolve conflicts in group settingsPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:PsychologistPhilosopherCounselorSalespersonPolitician
Interpersonal Intelligence
Those who have strong interpersonal intelligence are good at understanding and interacting with other people. These individuals are skilled at assessing theemotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them.
Understanding and relating to other people
People with interpersonal intelligence:
If you’re strong in interpersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
7Intrapersonal IntelligenceIndividuals 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.StrengthsIntrospection and self-reflectionCharacteristicsPeople 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 feelingsPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in intrapersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:PhilosopherWriterTheoristScientist
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Intrapersonal IntelligenceIndividuals 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.StrengthsIntrospection and self-reflectionCharacteristicsPeople 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 feelingsPotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in intrapersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:PhilosopherWriterTheoristScientist
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.
Introspection and self-reflection
People with intrapersonal intelligence:
If you’re strong in intrapersonal intelligence, good career choices for you are:
8Naturalistic IntelligenceNaturalistic 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.StrengthsFinding patterns and relationships to natureCharacteristicsPeople 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 naturePotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in naturalistic intelligence, good career choices for you are:BiologistConservationistGardenerFarmerTheories of Intelligence in Psychology
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Naturalistic IntelligenceNaturalistic 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.StrengthsFinding patterns and relationships to natureCharacteristicsPeople 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 naturePotential Career ChoicesIf you’re strong in naturalistic intelligence, good career choices for you are:BiologistConservationistGardenerFarmerTheories of Intelligence in Psychology
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.
Finding patterns and relationships to nature
People with naturalistic intelligence:
If you’re strong in naturalistic intelligence, good career choices for you are:
Theories of Intelligence in Psychology
9Existential IntelligenceExistential 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.StrengthsAn ability to see the big pictureCharacteristicsPeople 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 perspectivePotential Career ChoicesIf you have a strong sense of existential intelligence, you might enjoy a career as a:PhilosopherTheologianPastoral counselorPastor
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Existential IntelligenceExistential 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.StrengthsAn ability to see the big pictureCharacteristicsPeople 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 perspectivePotential Career ChoicesIf you have a strong sense of existential intelligence, you might enjoy a career as a:PhilosopherTheologianPastoral counselorPastor
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.
An ability to see the big picture
People with existential intelligence:
If you have a strong sense of existential intelligence, you might enjoy a career as a:
What Is Your Intelligence Type? Try Our Quiz
If you’d like to know more about your intelligence style, try ourfast and free quizto learn more about what makes you tick.
Keep in Mind
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 QuestionsYour 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.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.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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.2013.00950The 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.1777Levine 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/a0025913Singh 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_16Sternberg 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_20Michelaki E, Bournelli P.The development of bodily - Kinesthetic intelligence through creative dance for preschool students.JESR.doi:10.5901/jesr.2016.v6n3p23Additional ReadingGardner 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.
9 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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.2013.00950The 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.1777Levine 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/a0025913Singh 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_16Sternberg 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_20Michelaki E, Bournelli P.The development of bodily - Kinesthetic intelligence through creative dance for preschool students.JESR.doi:10.5901/jesr.2016.v6n3p23Additional ReadingGardner 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.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto 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.2013.00950The 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.1777Levine 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/a0025913Singh 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_16Sternberg 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_20Michelaki E, Bournelli P.The development of bodily - Kinesthetic intelligence through creative dance for preschool students.JESR.doi:10.5901/jesr.2016.v6n3p23
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
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.
Gardner H. On the Three Faces of Intelligence.Daedalus.Winter 2002;131(1):139-142.
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