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Multiple Intelligence Theory Essay

Intelligence is defined as the capability to learn and apply knowledge. The ability for an individual to benefit from past experiences, solve problems, act purposely, and adapt to new situations are included in intelligence (Passmore, Tong, & Wildflower, 2011). Intelligence is amongst the highly talked about subjects in psychology, but there has not been a standard definition of what precisely forms intelligence. There have been two different definitions from researchers in regards to intelligence. One defines intelligence as a single general ability, and the other believes that it covers a range of skills, aptitude, and talents. Theories of intelligence emerged around 1904 when psychologist Charles E. Spearman published his first article on intelligence. The best theory for determining intelligence is the multiple intelligence theory. The theory does not focus on one single general factor, but rather on different factors. The theory was proposed by Gardner (2011), and he believed that intelligence could be described based on a person's skills and abilities. This led him to develop eight different kinds of intelligence namely linguistic, musical, spatial, interpersonal, intrapersonal, bodily, logico-mathematical, and naturalistic intelligence. This is the best theory for determining intelligence because it not only concentrates on IQ tests, but it also considers the fact that people are different and have different capabilities. Using this theory one can easily explain why people have different talents and they excel in various fields. One cannot be good at all the eight intelligences defined within the theory. There is a need to have a methodology for determining intelligence that is not dependent on tests. The multiple intelligence theory can be applied to individuals with paralysis, impairment, or other disabilities....

Determining the intelligence of such individuals would not be possible using general intelligence.
The psychometric tests in use only examined logical, linguistic, and spatial intelligence. It was, for this reason, that Gardner (2011) developed the multiple intelligence theory. Various facets of intelligence like musical talent, athleticism, and social awareness were not covered in the psychometric tests. These are all valid areas of intelligence, and they determine an area an individual would excel in apart from class. A child who easily learns how to multiply is not more intelligent than one who has difficulty learning the same.

Intelligence possessed

The intelligences possessed are interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligence. The reasoning behind these choices is that I am able to interact with other easily, and I can connect with others on a more personal and emotional level. As an individual, I am able to cooperate and work with others in a team in order to support the group effort. People who possess interpersonal intelligence are natural leaders or followers. These individuals have the ability to empathize and communicate easily with others, which makes others like them and want to interact with them. Discussion and debate is their main area of excellence, and they are able to present their ideas in a clearly and easily understood manner. The careers best suited for people with high interpersonal intelligence are social workers, lecturers, counsellors, managers, sales persons, and teachers.

Having an intrapersonal intelligence means that the individual is more aware of their strengths and weaknesses. A person with intrapersonal intelligence would be able to predict their reactions in different situations. Having a good grasp of one's emotions is…

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References

Gardner, M.K. (2011). Theories of intelligence. The Oxford handbook of school psychology, 79-100.

Miele, D.B., Son, L.K., & Metcalfe, J. (2013). Children's Naive Theories of Intelligence Influence Their Metacognitive Judgments. Child development, 84(6), 1879-1886.

Passmore, J., Tong, C., & Wildflower, L. (2011). Theories of intelligence. Source: The Handbook of Knowledge-?Based Coaching: What we really do when we coach., 2.

Rickert, N.P., Meras, I.L., & Witkow, M.R. (2014). Theories of intelligence and students' daily self-handicapping behaviors. Learning and Individual Differences, 36, 1-8.
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