Question

Who proposed the theory of multiple intelligences ?

• A. Binet
• B. Wechsler
• C. Goleman
• D. Gardner

Answer 1

Answer:

D. Gardner

Theory of Multiple Intelligences

• Proponent: The theory was proposed by American developmental psychologist Howard Gardner in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences.

• Core Concept: Gardner challenged the traditional view of intelligence as a single, general ability (often measured by IQ tests). He argued that human intelligence consists of several distinct, autonomous modalities.

• Original Eight Intelligences:

  1. Linguistic: Sensitivity to spoken and written language.

  2. Logical-Mathematical: Ability to analyze problems logically and perform mathematical operations.

  3. Musical: Skill in the performance, composition, and appreciation of musical patterns.

  4. Bodily-Kinesthetic: Using one's body to express ideas and feelings or transform things.

  5. Spatial: Recognizing and manipulating the patterns of wide space and more confined areas.

  6. Interpersonal: Understanding the intentions, motivations, and desires of other people.

  7. Intrapersonal: Having an effective working model of oneself and understanding one's own desires and fears.

  8. Naturalist: The ability to recognize and categorize plants, animals, and other objects in nature (added in 1995).

• Key Distinction: Unlike psychometric theories of intelligence (like Spearman’s g-factor), Gardner’s model emphasizes that these intelligences operate independently but are typically used in combination to solve complex problems.