Question

Provide real-world examples for the following types of intelligences as theorized by Gardner: verbal/linguistic, body-kinesthetic (movement), and logical/mathematical. Explain why each example represents one of the types of intelligence. Present some of the arguments critics have offered against Gardner's research.

Answer 1

Howard Gardner is a developmental psychologist who is known for his theory of multiple intelligences. According to him, intelligence is not a singular overall ability but a set of discrete, independent skills and individual and cultures vary in the level of each intelligence. Amongst his eight types of ‘intelligences’, three are discussed below in terms of the specific examples:

Verbal/ linguistic intelligence- a novelist would have a higher verbal intelligence as writing of the book would require understanding and comprehension of words in a particular language, the ability to understand the rules of grammar, to use culturally appropriate expressions and words to communicate an idea, feelings, etc.

Body-kinaesthetic intelligence: the ability to skilfully perform a ballet dance piece is an example of this intelligence as it involves complex hand-leg movements, eye hand coordination, maintaining balance and correct postures using vestibular senses and posture using the muscles and skeleton of the body.

Logical/ mathematical intelligence: this type of intelligence can be seen in the computation work done by chartered accountants and bankers where they are constantly perceiving, calculating complex digits and manipulating numbers and mathematical formulas to solve problems.

Although, Gardner’s theory presents a cogent perspective of multiple factors or abilities in intelligence, it is criticised by a few scholars. Some have argued that intelligence is used as a measure to indicate general ability. Whereas Gardner's theory is much more broad, and gives a number of much more specific skills. Second, analysis of the research suggests that even when multiple intelligences are considered, a single general intelligence seems still to predict overall ability. Thus, many psychologists continue to put greater weight on the concept of a general composite intelligence rather than a individually differentiated and culturally diverse types of intelligence.