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Explores contemporary theories that expand intelligence to include musical, interpersonal, and practical skills.
Why is it that a 'straight-A' student might struggle to navigate a new city, while someone who failed algebra can lead a community through a crisis? Is our definition of 'smart' too narrow?
In 1983, Howard Gardner challenged the traditional view of general intelligence (). He argued that intelligence is not a single, fixed trait measured by a test, but a set of eight independent functional modules. These include Linguistic (verbal skills), Logical-Mathematical (abstract reasoning), Musical (rhythm and pitch), Spatial (visualizing the world), Bodily-Kinesthetic (physical control), Interpersonal (understanding others), Intrapersonal (understanding oneself), and Naturalist (recognizing patterns in nature). Gardner’s theory suggests that a person can be a 'genius' in one area while struggling in others, as these domains are neurologically distinct.
1. An architect uses Spatial Intelligence to visualize a 3D building from a 2D blueprint. 2. A professional soccer player uses Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence to coordinate complex movements in a split second. 3. Under Gardner's model, both are equally 'intelligent,' just in different domains.
Quick Check
If a student is exceptionally good at mediating conflicts between friends, which of Gardner's intelligences are they primarily using?
Answer
Interpersonal Intelligence.
Robert Sternberg agreed that intelligence is broader than IQ, but he focused on how we use our mental processes. His Triarchic Theory proposes three sub-theories: 1. Analytical Intelligence (Componential): The ability to solve well-defined problems with a single correct answer (typical 'book smarts'). 2. Creative Intelligence (Experiential): The ability to adapt to new situations and generate novel ideas. 3. Practical Intelligence (Contextual): The ability to manage everyday tasks and navigate social environments (typical 'street smarts'). Sternberg emphasizes that 'successful intelligence' involves balancing these three to achieve goals within a specific cultural context.
Consider a tech entrepreneur: 1. They use Analytical skills to code the software. 2. They use Creative skills to pivot their business model when a competitor emerges. 3. They use Practical skills to network with investors and convince them to fund the project.
Quick Check
Which of Sternberg's components is most closely related to traditional IQ tests and academic grading?
Answer
Analytical Intelligence.
While these theories are popular in education, they face significant criticism. Psychometricians argue that Gardner’s 'intelligences' are actually just talents or personality traits. Research often shows that different 'intelligences' are actually correlated; for example, people with high logical-mathematical scores often score high in linguistic areas too. This suggests a underlying factor still exists. Furthermore, critics argue that Sternberg’s 'Practical Intelligence' is difficult to measure objectively and may simply be a combination of experience and personality rather than a distinct cognitive ability.
1. Suppose you want to test 'Musical Intelligence.' 2. If you measure it by how well someone plays piano, are you measuring cognitive capacity or just years of practice? 3. This 'confounding variable' makes it difficult for scientists to validate Gardner's theory as a rigorous psychological construct compared to traditional IQ.
Which of the following is NOT one of Gardner's eight intelligences?
Sternberg's 'Experiential' sub-theory refers to which type of intelligence?
Scientific critics generally agree that Gardner's eight intelligences are completely independent and show no correlation with each other.
Review Tomorrow
In 24 hours, try to list all 8 of Gardner's intelligences and the 3 parts of Sternberg's triangle without looking at your notes.
Practice Activity
Observe three people today (a teacher, a friend, a family member). Identify which of Sternberg's three components they seem to rely on most in their daily life.