To our surprise, IQ is not the only way to measure intelligence. According to Howard Gardner, a developmental psychologist, there are 9 different types of intelligence that humans can develop. We’re here today to break down the different types. Which one do you think you are?
1. Linguistic
- The ability to use language effectively to be understood. Using words to effectively express what you mean
- Specialists: Public Speakers, authors, poets, song-writers, Teachers, Translators
- How to Develop: Crossword puzzles, storytelling, reading, writing, learn new languages
2. Logical/Mathematical
- The ability to hypothesize, calculate, quantify, and rationalize. It allows you to use scientific reason and experimentation.
- Specialists: Scientists, Mathematicians, statistician, logicians, Computer programmers, Doctor, engineers
- How to Develop: Arithmetic problems, calculations, strategy, and experimenting; Study Math and sciences
Linguistic and Logical Intelligence are intelligence that you typically use in traditional school. If you considered someone “smart” in school, then you were more so than not referring to being developed in these two types of intelligence.
3. Musical
- The ability to appreciate, produce, or conduct music. It allows you to identify and understand elements of music such as pitch, timbre, tone, and harmony. Gives you the ability to recognize, detect, create, reproduce, and contemplate music.
- Specialists: Musicians and Singers
- How to develop: Play an instrument, listen to music, create music, sing
4. Spatial
- The ability to think and visualize in three dimensions. It allows you to use mental imagery, spatial reasoning, image manipulation, dynamic imagination, and spatial reasoning
- Specialists: Pilots, Sculptors, Graphic designers, artists, painters, sailors, architects
- How to Develop: Puzzles, Mazes, Drawing, Painting, Sculpting, Daydream, Model building
5. Bodily/Kinesthetic
- The ability to have mind-body coordination, manipulate objects, and use physical skills. It allows you to have a sense of timing and control over your body movements.
- Specialists: Craftsmen, Trade Skills, Dancers, Athletes, Surgeons
- How to Develop: Work with tools/heavy machinery, Physical activity/skills, play sports, use your hands or body to solve problems or make things.
6. Intrapersonal
- The ability to understand your own thoughts, emotions, and behaviors to plan and direct your life. It allows you to understand and appreciate the human condition.
- Specialists: Philosophers, Psychologists, Spiritual Leaders
- How to Develop: Understand Emotional Intelligence, Question Yourself, Understand human behavior, study psychology and philosophy
7. Interpersonal
- The ability to interact with other people effectively using verbal and nonverbal communication skills. It allows you to develop relationships, consider different perspectives, and be aware of emotions in others
- Specialists: Teachers, Counselors, Social Workers, Nurses, Actors, Businessperson, Politician, Human Resource
- How to Develop: Communicate with various types of people, Practice verbal and nonverbal communication skills, practice active listening, Study psychology and human behavior
8. Existential
- The ability to analyze and understand deep thoughts about the human existence. It allows us to critically think about questions that pertain to the meaning of life and death. It is having the mental capacity to explore these questions on a deep level.
- Specialists: Philosopher, Psychologists, Spiritual leaders
- How to develop: Question yourself, Study religion, ethics, psychology, and philosophy
9. Naturalistic
- The ability to connect with and understand the natural world. It allows you to be able to interact with animals, harvest plants, identify natural resources, and analyze the weather.
- Specialists: Veterinarians, Farmers, Hunters, Chef, Botanist, Nutritionist
- How to Develop: Plant a garden, Work with animals, learn how to cook, study nutrition, experience outdoor adventures, go camping
So now that we’ve outlined the types of intelligence, you can develop the self-awareness to know which intelligence you identify most with. The next step is to decide if you want to harness all the intelligence or only a few. Do you want to be a jack of all trades or a master of one? Ultimately this is your decision. There is no right answer. It can depend on what your values and personality are. Your values guide you to what’s important in your life. Now that you understand more about intelligence, be sure to share this knowledge with a friend! This may provide them with eye-opening insight that could help them get more out of life.
Source:
Vital, M. (2017, March 14). 9 Types Of Intelligence — Infographic. Retrieved from Adioma: https://blog.adioma.com/9-types-of-intelligence-infographic/