Intelligence Definition: This is a persons ability to take on board and develop knowledge to be applied to certain tasks and skills. Many people confuse knowledge with intelligence, seeing knowledgeable people as the most intelligent ones, however we must remember that intelligence is the ability to acquire information and skills, not just remember information when it suits them.
Theories of Multiple Intelligences Definition: The theories of multiple intelligences, also known as ‘systems models of intelligence’ look into the other concepts of intelligence, instead of just concentrating on the cognitive ability theories.
Gardner (1983)
Gardner believed that there were 7 different types of intelligence within each persons brains, these could affect each other, but were presented as independent. The following are the 7 intelligences from Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences;
- Linguistic
- Spatial
- Musical
- Logical-mathematical
- Bodily Kinaesthetic
- Interpersonal
- Intrapersonal
Sternberg (1985)
This theory of multiple intelligence builds on Spearman’s one general intelligence theory, but instead of going for just the theory of ‘g’, it extends it by saying there are three subtheories, which are as follows;
- Analytical intelligence (Internal – Problem solving)
- Creative intelligence (Internal/External – React to situations)
- Practical intelligence (External – Real world intelligence)
