9 Types of Intelligence

It may appear trivial to define such a basic term. After all, we've all heard this term hundreds of times and are undoubtedly familiar with its meaning. However, for decades, individuals of the psychology field have questioned the idea of intelligence.

 

Moving further, let us understand what intelligence means. 

 

 

What is Intelligence?

 

Higher level abilities (such as abstract thinking, mental representation, problem solving, and decision making), the ability to learn, emotional understanding, creativity, and adaptability to meet the needs of the environment have all been classified as intelligence.

 

Robert Stenberg, a psychologist, described intelligence as "the mental qualities required for adaptation to, as well as structuring and selection of, any environmental setting" (1997, p. 1).

 

Intelligence has been characterized in a variety of ways, including the ability to abstract, logic, comprehend, self-awareness, learn, emotional knowledge, reason, plan, be creative, think critically, and solve problems. 

 

It may be defined more broadly as the ability to receive or infer information and retain it as knowledge to be used for adaptive actions within an environment or context. 

 

Although intelligence is most commonly studied in humans, it has also been found in non-human animals and plants, despite debate about whether some of these forms of life demonstrate intelligence. 

 

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Theory of Multiple Intelligence

 

In his 1983 book, Frames of Mind , Harvard professor Howard Gardner introduced the world to his notion of multiple intelligences. Simply expressed, the premise is that one's intellectual capacity, or IQ, does not provide a clear picture of one's whole range of possibilities.

 

Gardner proposed eight categories of intelligence in order to more properly evaluate a larger variety of human talents and skills. Gardner's intelligence is consistent with what most of us have been taught—that we are all unique because we have various skills and interests.

 

Let's look at Gardner's initial seven forms of intelligence, as well as two more that he's added throughout the years. You should be able to determine which forms of intelligence you are stronger in by studying the definitions and characteristics of each type of intelligence.

 

Criticism of the Theory

 

Both psychologists and educators have criticized Gardner's idea. These detractors claim that Gardner's concept of intelligence is too wide, and that his eight "intelligences" are just skills, personality characteristics, and abilities. Gardner's idea is further hampered by a scarcity of empirical evidence to back it up.

 

Despite this, the hypothesis of multiple intelligences is widely accepted among educators. Many instructors incorporate Gardner's idea of multiple intelligences into their teaching philosophies and seek to integrate it into the classroom.

 

Let's look at Gardner's initial seven forms of intelligence, as well as two more that he's added throughout the years. You should be able to determine which forms of intelligence you are stronger in by studying the definitions and characteristics of each type of intelligence.

 

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Types of Intelligence

 

Gardner's intelligence can be further divides into 9 categories and they are as follows:-

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Types of intelligence

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1. Naturalistic Intelligence

 

Naturalist intelligence refers to the human ability to distinguish between living things (plants and animals), as well as sensitivity to other aspects of the natural world (clouds, rock configurations). 

 

This talent was certainly valuable in our evolutionary history as hunters, gatherers, and farmers, and it is now important in jobs like botanist and chef. It is also hypothesised that much of our consumer culture leverages naturalist intelligences, which may be activated in the discriminating between vehicles, footwear, cosmetics types, and so on.

 

2. Musical Intelligence

 

The ability to recognise pitch, rhythm, timbre, and tone is referred to as musical intelligence. As evidenced by composers, conductors, musicians, vocalists, and attentive listeners, this intelligence enables us to perceive, create, recreate, and reflect on music. 

 

Interestingly, music and emotions frequently have an emotional relationship, and mathematics and musical intelligences may have comparable thinking processes. Young people with this level of intellect are often found singing or drumming to themselves. They are frequently acutely sensitive to noises that others may overlook.

 

3. Logical- Mathematical Intelligence

 

The capacity to compute, quantify, examine propositions and hypotheses, and carry out entire mathematical operations is referred to as logical-mathematical intelligence. It allows us to recognise correlations and connections, as well as apply abstract, symbolic cognition, sequential reasoning skills, and inductive and deductive thinking processes. 

 

Mathematicians, physicists, and investigators often have high levels of logical intelligence. Patterns, categories, and relationships pique the curiosity of young people with high logical intelligence. They are captivated by mathematical puzzles, strategic games, and experimentation.

 

4. Interpersonal Intelligence

 

The capacity to comprehend and communicate successfully with people is referred to as interpersonal intelligence. It entails good verbal and nonverbal communication, the capacity to notice differences in others, sensitivity to others' emotions and temperaments, and the ability to entertain diverse views. 

 

Interpersonal intelligence is demonstrated by teachers, social workers, performers, and politicians. Young people with this level of intellect are leaders among their peers, are skilled communicators, and appear to comprehend the feelings and motivations of others.

 

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5. Body- Kinesthetic Intelligence

 

The ability to control items and apply a range of physical talents is referred to as bodily kinesthetic intelligence. This intelligence includes a sense of time as well as skill excellence via mind–body connection. Athletes, dancers, doctors, and artisans all have highly developed body kinesthetic intelligence.

 

6. Linguistic Intelligence

 

Linguistic intelligence is defined as the capacity to think in terms of words and to utilize language to communicate and appreciate complicated concepts. Linguistic intelligence enables us to grasp the sequence and meaning of words, as well as to employ meta-linguistic abilities to reflect on our language use. 

 

Linguistic intelligence is the most generally shared human skill, and it may be found in poets, novelists, journalists, and good public speakers. Young adults with this level of intelligence like to write, read, tell tales, and do crossword puzzles.

 

7. Intrapersonal Intelligence

 

Intrapersonal intelligence is the ability to comprehend oneself and one's ideas and feelings, and to apply that understanding in life planning and direction. Intra-personal intelligence entails an understanding of not just oneself, but also of the human predicament. 

 

Psychologists, spiritual leaders, and philosophers all exhibit it. These young people may be reserved. They are self-motivated and are acutely aware of their own emotions.

 

8. Spatial Intelligence

 

The capacity to think in three dimensions is referred to as spatial intelligence. Mental imaging, spatial thinking, picture manipulation, graphic and creative talents, and an active imagination are all core abilities. 

 

Spatial intelligence is demonstrated by sailors, pilots, sculptors, artists, and architects. Young people with this level of intellect may be enthralled by mazes or jigsaw puzzles, or they may spend their leisure time sketching or daydreaming.

 

9. Existential Intelligence

 

While many of us are satisfied to go about our everyday lives, persons with a high level of existential intelligence tend to evaluate daily occurrences in deeper depth. 

 

They wonder, "Why are we here?" and "What is the purpose of existence itself?" They are typically profound philosophers with the aptitude to seek solutions to larger-than-life concerns. People with such intellect are said to be spiritually or ethically intelligent.

 

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Conclusion

 

Although some forms of intelligence are more commonly acknowledged and valued than others, the fact is that no intelligence is superior to another. It is more important to determine your level of intellect. This can assist you in maximizing your inherent advantages while also exposing areas where you may need to put in a bit more work to succeed.

 

So, when you've thought about the sorts of intelligence you're better at, think about what other individuals are strong at. Because when we use ideas like multiple intelligences and learning styles to make other individuals appear good, it makes all of us and society look a lot better.