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🥸intro to psychology review

Gardner

Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025
Written by the Fiveable Content Team • Last updated September 2025

Definition

Gardner is a psychologist known for his theory of multiple intelligences, which proposes that individuals possess different types of intelligence that are independent of one another. This theory challenges the traditional view of intelligence as a single, general ability measured by IQ tests.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences challenges the traditional view of intelligence as a single, general ability measured by IQ tests.
  2. According to Gardner, individuals possess a variety of distinct intelligences, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal.
  3. Gardner's theory emphasizes that these intelligences are independent of one another and that individuals may excel in one or more areas while struggling in others.
  4. The theory of multiple intelligences has implications for education, as it suggests that traditional teaching methods may not be effective for all students, and that a more individualized approach is necessary.
  5. Gardner's theory has also been applied to the study of creativity, as it suggests that creativity may involve the combination of different types of intelligence in unique ways.

Review Questions

  • Explain how Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences challenges the traditional view of intelligence.
    • Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences challenges the traditional view of intelligence as a single, general ability measured by IQ tests. Instead, Gardner proposes that individuals possess a variety of distinct intelligences, including linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal, which are independent of one another. This suggests that individuals may excel in one or more areas while struggling in others, and that traditional teaching methods may not be effective for all students, highlighting the need for a more individualized approach to education.
  • Describe how Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences relates to the study of creativity.
    • Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences has implications for the study of creativity, as it suggests that creativity may involve the combination of different types of intelligence in unique ways. For example, an individual with strong linguistic and spatial intelligence may be able to generate novel and useful ideas by combining their skills in writing and visual representation. Similarly, an individual with strong interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence may be able to develop creative solutions to complex social problems by drawing on their understanding of human behavior and their own self-awareness. This suggests that creativity is not a single, general ability, but rather a complex interplay of multiple intelligences.
  • Evaluate the potential educational implications of Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences and how it challenges traditional approaches to teaching and assessment.
    • Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences has significant implications for education, as it challenges the traditional approach to teaching and assessment that focuses on a single, general measure of intelligence. The theory suggests that traditional teaching methods may not be effective for all students, as they may excel in one or more areas of intelligence while struggling in others. This highlights the need for a more individualized approach to education, where teaching strategies and assessment methods are tailored to the unique strengths and weaknesses of each student. By recognizing and nurturing the diverse intelligences of students, educators can foster a more inclusive and equitable learning environment that allows all students to thrive. Additionally, the theory of multiple intelligences has the potential to inform the development of innovative educational programs and curricula that better align with the diverse needs and abilities of learners.