Howard Gardner identified eight types of intelligence: linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic. Each person possesses varying degrees of each type. The document provides descriptions of each type of intelligence and examples of careers that suit each type. It encourages tapping into as many intelligences as possible rather than relying on just one or two.

1. Howard Gardner, a Harvard professor, did pioneering research in this area. He maintains that
measuring intelligence (IQ) with one number is misleading. It leads us to believe that there is one
intelligence. According to Dr. Gardner, there are actually eight intelligences.t That is, we have
eight different abilities to pick from when solving problems. Unfortunately, many of us have been
trained to use only two or three of these. Just think of what we can do once we tap into as many of
the eight intelligences as possible!
The Eight Intelligences*
Although some of our eight intelligences are more advanced than the others, we have traces of
each intelligence. Some may be highly developed and some a little less developed. Here is
Gardner's list (with clarification in parentheses provided from the work of Thomas Armstrong).
Linguistic intelligence (word smart). You are good with the written word. You can express yourself
with language. Occupations include writer, speaker, lawyer, and teacher.
Logical mathematical intelligence (number smart). You can think abstractly and solve
problems. Logic and order are strengths for you. You understand cause and effect. Manipulation
Activity Sheet:
Background Information: Understanding Multiple Intelligences*
of numbers comes easily. Occupations include scientist and mathematician.
Spatial intelligence (art smart). You can recreate your world visually. A sound sense of direction
is involved, too. Occupations include sculptor, painter, and anatomy teacher
.
Bodily—kinesthetic intelligence (body smart). You have coordinated control of your own
body. There is a strong sense of learning by movement or action. You can effectively use your
hands, fingers, and arms to make something. Occupations include athlete, actor, and dancer.
Musical intelligence (music smart). You have the ability to use the major components of music
(rhythm or pitch). You can recognize patterns and use them effectively. Occupations include
musician and dancer.
Interpersonal intelligence (people smart). You have an understanding of the mood and
motives of those with whom you associate. If you are to effectively deal with other people you
must be skilled in this intelligence. Occupations include teacher, politician, and salesperson.
Intrapersonal intelligence (me smart). You understand yourself and can apply that knowledge
in real-life situations to produce the best results. You understand what is good for you. You know
who you are and what you can do. You know what to associate with and what to avoid.
Occupations include independent contractor.
Naturalistic intelligence (nature smart). You can understand, explain, and relate to things in

2. the natural world around you. You have a unique ability to classify and separate items based on
characteristics. Occupations include botanist, zoologist, archaeologist, and environmentalist.
*Rhythms of College Success: A Journey of Discovery Change, and Mastery. Piscitelli, S. Boston, MA: Pearson Education, 2008,
99-100.
tGardner's groundbreaking book is entitled Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (1993).
tA ninth intelligence is being investigated—spiritual. This intelligence refers to the ability to connect with nonphysical or metaphysical
stimuli. For our purposes we will look at the first eight.
§Multiple Intelligences in the Classroom. Armstrong, T. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development,
1994.
Activity Sheet:
Prioritize Your Intelligences*
NAME: Jelani Cameron
List the intelligences in order from the one intelligence that is most developed in you to the
one that is least developed as they relate to you. Write a brief description how you have
come to believe this. Be specific (perhaps give an example that explains your ranking).
My most (1st) developed intelligence is: Intrapersonal
o My evidence is: I’m beginning to learn how to balance work and school.
My 2nd most developed intelligence is: Kinesthetic
My evidence is: I learned that I can jog a mile without stopping or slowing
down.
My 3rd most developed intelligence is: Interpersonal
My evidence is: I learned to deal with customers at work by giving them my undivided
attention.
My 4th most developed intelligence is: Logical Mathematics
My evidence is: I passed my MAT1033 class with a B average.
My 5th most developed intelligence is: Naturalistic
My evidence is: I help my father grow his garden everyday.
My 6th most developed intelligence is: Musical
My evidence is: My brother attends music school and he teaches me how to
make instrumentals.
My 7th most developed intelligence is: Spatial
My evidence is: My clothing line contains different types of art and designs.

3. My 8th most developed intelligence is: Linguistic
My evidence is : I learn a new word everyday by randomly selecting one in the
dictionary.
Finally, what insights can you draw from this activity? I realized what places did grow
mentally.
*Instructor's manual to accompany Study Skills: Do 1 Really Need This Stuff? 2nd Edition. Piscitelli, S. Boston,
MA: Pearson Education, 2009.