Question

Check your understanding of various theories on the nature of intelligence by matching the names of their originators with the brief descriptions of the theories' main themes that appear below. Choose from the following theorists: (a) Alfred Binet, (b) Howard Gardner. (c) Arthur Jensen, (d) Lewis Terman, (e) Robert Sternberg, and (f) David Wechsler. The answers are in Appendix A. _________________ This theorist posited eight human intelligences: logical- mathematical, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist.

Short answer

Answer: Howard Gardner

Step-by-step solution

Identify the theory

The theory presented in the exercise is about multiple intelligences, which includes the following: logical-mathematical, linguistic, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist.

Review the list of theorists

Review the given list of theorists and consider their contributions to the field of intelligence: (a) Alfred Binet, (b) Howard Gardner, (c) Arthur Jensen, (d) Lewis Terman, (e) Robert Sternberg, and (f) David Wechsler.

Find the theorist associated with multiple intelligences

Among the given theorists, Howard Gardner is known for proposing the theory of multiple intelligences.

Finalize the answer

Based on the analysis and matching process, the theorist associated with the given theory (eight human intelligences) is: - Howard Gardner

Key concepts

Howard Gardner

Howard Gardner is a renowned psychologist and educator best known for developing the theory of multiple intelligences. He proposed that traditional views of intelligence, often measured by IQ tests, were too limited. Instead of seeing intelligence as a single entity, Gardner believed it encompassed a variety of abilities. His influential work has reshaped how we understand intelligence and has had a significant impact on educational practices.
Gardner introduced this groundbreaking idea in his book, "Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences," published in 1983. His theory emphasizes that intelligence is not just about numbers or words, but includes a range of human skills and talents. Gardner's perspective thus invites educators to appreciate a broader spectrum of student abilities, fostering an educational environment that acknowledges and nurtures diverse talents.

multiple intelligences

The theory of multiple intelligences suggests that people possess different kinds of minds and therefore learn, remember, perform, and understand in different ways. Gardner originally identified seven distinct intelligences, later adding an eighth:

• Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: The ability to understand logical reasoning and problem-solving.
• Linguistic Intelligence: Sensitivity to words and languages.
• Musical Intelligence: Skill in performing, composing, and appreciating musical patterns.
• Spatial Intelligence: Capacity to think in images and pictures.
• Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence: Ability to use one's body in expressive or skillful ways.
• Interpersonal Intelligence: Ability to understand and interact effectively with others.
• Intrapersonal Intelligence: Capacity for self-awareness and self-reflection.
• Naturalist Intelligence: Ability to recognize and categorize nature.

This theory redefines how educators approach teaching, enabling personalized learning experiences to cater to varied intelligence types. It moves away from the "one-size-fits-all" method of education, promoting a more holistic view of student success.

educational psychology

Educational psychology is the scientific study of how people learn and retain knowledge. It applies psychological theories and principles to education-related topics and offers insights into teaching strategies, student motivation, and individual differences.
In the context of multiple intelligences, educational psychology explores how different teaching approaches can support diverse learning styles. For example, by understanding that some students learn better through kinesthetic activities, teachers can incorporate movement-based tasks to enhance those students' learning experiences. This adaptation leads to improved educational outcomes and more engaged learners.
Educational psychology also emphasizes the importance of understanding a student's background, motivation, and emotional wellbeing. By diving into these aspects, educators can create supportive environments that nurture every student’s potential. Thus, an awareness of multiple intelligences adds useful tools to an educational psychologist's toolkit, bridging the gap between cognitive theory and classroom practice.

intelligence assessment

Intelligence assessment involves evaluating an individual's cognitive capabilities through standardized tests and other methods. These assessments aim to provide insights into a person's intellectual abilities and potential. Traditional intelligence tests, like the IQ test, often focus on logical and linguistic skills.
However, the introduction of Gardner's multiple intelligences theory challenges traditional intelligence assessments by suggesting that these tests do not capture the full range of human intelligences. Therefore, new forms of assessment are needed to evaluate the other intelligences.
Educational systems are gradually incorporating diverse assessment techniques. For instance, project-based assessments allow students to demonstrate their strengths in real-world contexts, such as through musical performances or spatial visualization tasks.
This evolution in assessment methods ensures that a broader array of strengths and abilities are acknowledged and valued, offering a more comprehensive picture of a student's capabilities.