Title: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

Name: Markeesha Eckols

Course: Psy 300

Due Date: 4/23/2012

Instructor: Carlton Bowden

The Theory of Multiple Intelligences

In Gardner’s book “Frames of Minds” he argues that all humans are born with a multiplicity of intelligences. He suggested that with these intelligences; we can or should be developed by society to achieve great individual accomplishment and fulfill greater social goals. This theory of multiple intelligences has been divided into eight different categories; Linguistic, musical, logical, spatial, bodily kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal and naturalist (Gardner 1983). In Gardner’s opinion; seven kinds of intelligence would allow seven ways to teach, rather than one and powerful constraints that exist in the mind can be mobilized to introduce a particular concept (or whole system of thinking) in a way that children are most likely to learn it and least likely to distort it (Gardner 1983). Gardner was one of the first to teach us that we should not judge and develop people (especially children, young people, and people at the beginnings of their careers) according to an arbitrary and narrow definition of intelligence (Gardner 1983). We must instead rediscover and promote the vast range of capabilities that have a value in life and then set out valuing people for who they are, what they can be, and helping them to grow and fulfill their potential (Gardner 1983). Gardner feels if first we concentrate on encouraging schools and industry to think beyond IQ and the bleeding three R's - then perhaps soon we'll be ready for morality and spiritualism (Gardner 1983). Howard Gardner's theory of multiple intelligences has not been readily accepted within academic psychology. However, it has met with a strongly positive response from many educators (Larson 1984). While the theory of multiple intelligence are being argued today, by definition linguistic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligences will help contribute to my future success.

Gardner’s Views on Linguistic Interpersonal & Intrapersonal Intelligences

According to Gardner (1983), linguistic involves sensitivity to spoken and written language, the ability to learn languages, and the capacity to use language to accomplish certain goals. This intelligence includes the ability to effectively use language to express oneself rhetorically or poetically; and language as a means to remember information. He states that interpersonal intelligence is concerned with the capacity to understand the intentions, motivations and desires of other people. It allows people to work effectively with others. Educators, salespeople, religious and political leaders and counselors all need a well-developed interpersonal intelligence (Garner 1983). Intrapersonal intelligence entails the capacity to understand oneself, to appreciate one's feelings, fears and motivations. In Howard Gardner's view it involves having an effective working model of ourselves, and to be able to use such information to regulate our lives. By definition, linguistic, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligences will strengthen one’s career such as my chosen field of psychology, if applied effectively.
Linguistic, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal Intelligences

When working with the study of the mind and human behavior, communication is very important. Gardner (1983) suggested linguistic is written and spoken; retention, interpretation and explanation of ideas and information via language, understands relationship between communication and meaning. This is one of the key elements for success in the psychology field and without it how will one be able to connect with a patient? Next, Gardner (1983) states that interpersonal intelligence is perception of other people's feelings; ability to relate to others; interpretation of behavior and communications; understands the relationships between people and their situations. If one can’t emotionally connect to another how will change occur? Finally, intrapersonal intelligence plays a role that all human need. Gardner (1983) says intrapersonal intelligence is self-awareness, personal cognizance, personal objectivity, the capability to understand oneself, one's relationship to others and the world, and one's own need for, and reaction to change. When one is not aware of who they are personally or the ability to relate to others how will they create a plan of action to achieve success without knowing who they are or how to connect with others when they need help?

Linguistics, Interpersonal & Intrapersonal Intelligences Relation to Success The most important reason linguistic, interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences will contribute to my future success is because being able to successfully communicate and connect with a person emotionally can force a change in any situation. When developing or enhancing skills that will help produce success in a person’s career these three intelligences will always help no matter the scenario; one will always need to be able to communicate, have some type of emotional understanding, and know who they are and where they are heading. Planning for success means being aware of personal goals and goals needed in order to reach a specific outcome. The intelligences stated above are needed in the process to live a healthy productive life. According to D. (1984), life skills aim at helping people clarify feelings and values, make decisions and choices, resolve conflicts, gain self-understanding, explore environmental opportunities and constraints, communicate effectively with others, and take personal responsibility for their actions. These skills fall under linguistic, interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences giving proof that they are important for a successful career or healthy life.

Linguistics, Interpersonal, and Intrapersonal Intelligences In conclusion, although the theory of multiple intelligences is being argued, linguistic interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences will contribute to my future success for two main reasons. First, spoken retention will allow one to communicate better. But most importantly, being able to connect with a person emotionally can force a change for the better. By focusing in on these three intelligences it will in turn increase my chances in becoming a better psychologist in my opinion. So what if people are still questioning Gardner’s position on these intelligences. What if he is correct? If he is correct then relating one’s future success to these intelligences will only help to achieve it. No matter the argument, by definition of these specific intelligences they are all needed. Let’s say he is incorrect it will not hurt to improve one’s life skills; since they are needed to live a healthy life. The outcome from the improving of these intelligences will be a positive one; since they are required in everyday situations. As they relate to my personal goals for success, it is in my opinion that linguistics, interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences are all important factors that are extremely vital in obtaining my career choice. This in turn pushes me to believe more in Gardner’s theory than not.

References 1. D., L. (1984). Teach Psychological skills: Models for giving psychology away. Monterey, CA: Brooks/Cole. 2. Gardner, H. (1983). Frame of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences (10th ED.). New York, New York: Basic Books. 3. Kowalski, R., & Westen, D. (2011). Psychology (6th ED.). Hoboken, NJ: Wiley. 4. Smith, M. (2005). 2. Howard Gardner and Multiple Intelligences. Retrieved from http://www.infed.org