According to Howard Gardner’s Multi-dimensional theory of intelligence (1983), Intelligence is not a single element but is composed of multiple intelligences that interact and work together to find solution to a problem. Various forms of intelligence are-
- Linguistic – (capacity to use language fluently to express oneself and understand others); Word smart; Writers, Journalists.
- Rational/Mathematical– (skilled in rational thinking and problem solving); Scientists.
- Musical– Sensitive to sounds, rhythms, patterns, good knowledge ; Singers and musicians.
- Spatial (skills in forming visual images and patterns) ; pilots, painters.
- Body-kinesthetic (using whole or portions of the body flexibly and creatively); actors, dancers.
- Interpersonal (sensitivity to subtle aspects of others’ behaviours) ; counsellors, psychologists,
- Intra personal(awareness of one’s own feelings, motives, and desires); philosophers and spiritual leaders
- Naturalistic (sensitivity to the features of the natural world); tourists, zoologists
- Existential ( ability to know about the secret of life , death, world, salvation); philosophers
“Intelligence is the ability to –
- judge well,
- understand well
- reason well.” – Alfred Binet
Intelligence is the outcome of the interaction between heredity (nature) and environment (nurture).
- Studies on identical twins reared together show a correlation of about 0.90, and those reared apart about 0.72, proving strong hereditary influence.
- Fraternal twins reared together correlate 0.60, brothers and sisters 0.50, and siblings reared apart 0.25, showing environmental contribution.
- Adoption studies reveal that a child’s intelligence is closer to biological parents, yet children from disadvantaged homes adopted into higher socio-economic families show a large increase in IQ.
