Gardner, Howard Earl (1943-…), is an American psychologist best known for his research and writings on creativity and intelligence. His most famous book, Frames of Mind (1983), introduced his theory of multiple intelligences. The theory was a reaction against the idea that human beings possess a single inherited ability called “intelligence.” He objected to the use of a number called the intelligence quotient (IQ) as a means of indicating the level of this single intelligence. Gardner claimed instead that human beings each have a unique blend of different kinds of intelligence that creates the abilities at which they excel.
In the earliest version of his theory, Gardner proposed that people possess seven types of intelligence. (1) Linguistic intelligence concerns language skills. (2) Logical-mathematical intelligence involves analytical skills. (3) Spatial intelligence includes skills related to vision that also allow for an understanding of space. (4) Musical intelligence has to do with musical ability. (5) Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence involves the body and motion. (6) Interpersonal intelligence concerns skills in handling relations between people. (7) Intrapersonal intelligence is the knowledge the individual has of the self. The first two types of intelligence, linguistic and logical-mathematical, have historically been valued in education and can be measured by traditional IQ tests. The next three types of intelligence—spatial, musical, and bodily-kinesthetic—are usually associated with the fine arts. The final two types of intelligence, interpersonal and intrapersonal, are what Gardner called personal intelligences. In his later book, Intelligence Reframed (1999), Gardner examines other types of potential intelligences, including naturalistic intelligence, which involves understanding patterns in nature.
The theory of multiple intelligences has appealed to educators and has made an impact on educational practice, especially in the United States. For example, a number of schools and vocational- and adult-education programs have structured their curriculum according to the multiple-intelligence framework. However, Gardner’s theory has received some criticism. For example, a number of critics of the theory believe it was derived more from his own intuitions and reasoning than from actual scientific research.
Gardner was born on July 11, 1943, in Scranton, Pennsylvania. He received his bachelor’s degree in 1965 and his Ph.D. degree in 1971 from Harvard University. He became a professor of education at Harvard in 1986. From 1984 to 2005, he was also a professor of neurology at Boston University. From 1972 to 2000, he served as co-director of Harvard’s Project Zero, which investigates human potential to learn. In 2000, he became senior director. Gardner has written many books and several hundred articles about creativity and intelligence.
