Howard Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences in his 1983 book Frames of Mind, arguing human intelligence is not one general ability but a set of at least eight relatively independent modalities: linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal and naturalistic. The theory became highly influential in education while drawing sustained criticism from psychometricians for lacking the kind of validating empirical evidence a scientific model of intelligence is expected to carry.
Facts
Disputed
Core ClaimIntelligence comprises at least eight distinct, relatively independent modalities rather than one general ability measurable by a single test. 1 Gardner himself has acknowledged the theory has few enthusiasts among psychometricians and conceded there was little hard validating evidence for it as of a 2004 review; the theory remains influential in educational practice despite this. Cross-Tradition Connections
Associated With
Contemporaneous rival broadenings of the definition of intelligence beyond a single general ability, proposed within two years of each other.
Developed By
In Branch
Sources
1. Wikipedia: Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Wikimedia FoundationCriticismQuote, Criticism
There are no empirical, experimental studies using psychometrics to establish validity.
1. Wikipedia: Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Wikimedia FoundationIn Branch: Educational Psychology, Overview section, what the theory proposesQuote, In Branch: Educational Psychology, Overview section, what the theory proposes
human intelligence is not a single general ability but comprises various distinct modalities, such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, musical, and spatial intelligences.
Dissenting Readings (1 dissenting reading)
Core Claim
Linda Gottfredson and other psychometricians argue the theory lacks the validating psychometric and experimental evidence a scientific model of intelligence requires, and Gardner himself has acknowledged there was little hard evidence for it as of a 2004 review; the theory nonetheless remains highly influential in educational practice.
A dissenting reading, from Linda GottfredsonWikipedia: Theory of Multiple Intelligences, Wikimedia Foundation
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