Discover the 9 types of intelligence. Which is yours?

Intelligence is usually defined as a very general mental capacity used habitually to reason, solve problems, learn and adapt. always cause for fascination for psychology has been the object of study since it made its appearance as a science.

The first efforts were concentrated on measuring it. Alfred Binet was one of the pioneers in this work, which later gave rise to the famous intelligence quotient or IQ, still in full use today, and over time also to different types of tests for its determination.

beyond its measure, Other researchers have been concerned to find out different aspects of intelligence, such as its structure or its processes, that is, how does it work.

Much knowledge has emerged from all this work, and with it different ways of understanding it, with disparate theories and models.

One of the hottest debates that has arisen from this complex reality centers around a key question: should we speak of intelligence in the singular or in the plural?

Can intelligence be measured?

Behind this controversy lies, on the one hand, a very influential positiondefended by supporters of classical tests, which he considers intelligence as a unique capacity, stable and strongly determined by heredity.

The essential question that this way of understanding intelligence tries to answer is: how smart are you?

At the other end there is a point of view that adopts a pluralistic vision and that he describes this ability in terms of a set of perfectly defined intelligences.

Consider that intelligence is something that changes and develops based on experienceswhich is the result of the interaction between biological and environmental factors and therefore teachable, and that human minds and brains are highly differentiated entities that do not easily mesh with intelligence as defined by IQ.

In this case, the essential question to be answered is: in what way are you smart?

Although the seed of this second position was planted many decades ago, its main supporter and current promoter is the North American psychologist howard gardnerthat in 1983 he began to publicize his theory of multiple intelligences (MI).

Rebelling against a monolithic and stable conception of intelligence, Gardner points out that we are faced with two alternatives: continue with the traditional ideas of intelligence and how it should be measured or seek a new road map to interpret and develop it.

In addition to proposing the existence of different types of intelligence, the MI theory points out that these, even though they often work together, they are independent of each other.

It may be the case, for example, that a person is very competent doing mathematical calculations but instead has little ability to make friends, or that another may find it difficult to express themselves verbally but is a great athlete, which seems unquestionable observing what happens in reality.

He also points out that traditional tests only measure verbal-linguistic and logical-mathematical intelligence, leaving all others aside capabilities. In fact, at school and in different academic settings are almost exclusively enhanced these two types of intelligence. The rest remains in a very secondary plane.

What is the theory of multiple intelligences

Beyond the ability for logic and language, other skills deserve equal attention. When it comes to learning and teaching concentrating exclusively, or almost exclusively, on linguistic and logical abilities, as is usually done in academia, can be considered a loss or a waste for those with abilities in other intelligences.

This common mistake prevents make the most of each other’s potentialunfairly condemns many people to failure and closes the door to skills and abilities that are essential both to succeed in the world and to live a happy life.

Faced with this limiting, stereotyped and frustrating panorama, The theory of multiple intelligences comes as a breath of fresh air and proposes:

highlight the variability between individuals and develop the differences; fight against homogenization. Change the traditional reductionist approach focused on the deficit, on what is lacking, for another that facilitates the discovery and enhance each other’s strengths.Encourage more holistic development of the brain and a more harmonious and inclusive vision of personal abilities; focus on both the “what” is learned and the “how” it is learned.Stimulate curiosity.Promote mental flexibility.Moving from a passive, reactive and dependent role in the learning to another active, prepositive and autonomous.Give preference to comprehension vs. memorization data mechanics.Expand the range of knowledge basics for life.Reclaim marginalized intelligences; democratize knowledge.favor the personal enrichment.Stimulate further collaboration and less the competition.Facilitate adaptation from the person to the world.

MI theory is not based on pure intuition. For an intelligence to be considered as such, it must meet certain criteria..

Damage to an area of ​​the brain, for example, can destroy the behavior of a type of intelligence, making it possible to pinpoint what brain areas they define it. It is also shown that there people with exceptional ability in a single field.

for now nine intelligences They seem to have a distinct entity. And the possibility of including other intelligences is planned.

How to enhance the different intelligences?

The theory of multiple intelligences argues that each one has its own and unique profile of intelligence, which, moreover, is in constant dynamics as a consequence both of the management that each one makes of them and of the influences received from the environment.

There may be people who enjoy various intelligences to a high degree, others who have a high level of some and a very low level of others, and others who have a medium level of all… There are as many combinations as people.

To give a well-known example, it is considered that Einstein excelled in spatial and logical-mathematical intelligence but showed little interpersonal intelligence. for, it seems, he was not skilful in social intercourse.

The proposal of multiple intelligences is powerful and, beyond its influence on processes such as attention, perception, memory and learning, it also reaches the emotional and motivational spheres.

Behind it is a message of self-acceptance and a increased expectations, opportunities and results. Each one has to identify and build their own way of learning and being in the world.

The ultimate goal is to get the most out of yourself.get the best possible performance of the brain and mind in different areas to live as full and meaningful a life as possible.

Intelligence types

For discover the peculiar way of being intelligent of each one attention can be paid to what are the most common behaviors, how you respond to small and big challenges, what you spend your free time on, what are the behaviors, activities and environments that make you feel better and more competent, what how information is usually processed and what type of resources and skills are usually used.

1. Verbal-linguistic intelligence

It is the master key for the communicationthe expression and the transmission of ideas in verbal form.

It is responsible for the production and reception of language, symbolic thoughts, the ability to reading and writing, telling stories. It can be seen in poets, writers, orators, teachers, polyglot people…

To encourage it: You can practice word games and speed reading, prepare expositions, discuss, argue and debate, tell jokes, look for antonyms and synonyms, keep a personal diary, solve riddles and crossword puzzles, learn languages, do theater…

2. Logical-mathematical intelligence

It is the intelligence we know as scientific thought. He has the ability to work with numbers and geometric shapes. It makes it easy to solve arithmetic problems and strategy games, to carry out experiments…

It belongs to scientists computer programmers, accountants, lawyers, bankers and, of course, mathematics.

How to encourage it: It is practiced with analysis and synthesis, classifications, abstractions, mental calculations, experiments, Sudoku puzzles and assumptions. Also weighing causes and consequences, keeping household accounts, deducing and drawing conclusions, questioning or making constructive criticism.

3. Bodily-kinetic intelligence

It is the ability to Use the body and express yourself with it. This type of intelligence processes knowledge through bodily sensations.

It characterizes athletes, dancers, mimes, actors, artisans, masseurs… and in general all the people who dedicate themselves to a physical work that requires precision and artistry.

How to encourage it: You can write with your non-dominant hand, learn dances, create choreographies, do crafts, express emotions with mime, deepen non-verbal communication, do acrobatics, relax…

4. Visual-spatial intelligence

The key to the sensory basis of this intelligence is the sense of sight. Allows you to think in images and helps you orient yourself in space and recognize faces.

Whoever owns it gets excited about puzzles and construction games. Also drawing or dreaming. It is typical of architects, designers, geographers, painters, sculptors, decorators, chess players or dressmakers, for example.

How to encourage it: You can paint, sculpt, make concept maps, let your imagination run wild, design interiors, follow paths mentally, remember images, read in front of a mirror, play cards and video games, plan routes and excursions, design clothes…

5. Auditory-musical intelligence

Recognizes rhythms and musical patterns, is sensitive to sounds environments, to the tonalities of the human voice and to musical instruments. It is highly developed in instrumentalists, composers and singers, and in music lovers in general.

How to promote it: you can sing, whistle, play percussion, recognize the instruments in a song, listen to the birds, compose songs, learn to play an instrument…

6. Interpersonal intelligence

Recognizes the moods, motivations, desires and intentions of others, which promotes social relationships and communication.

Allows you to move skillfully in society and it is typical of people who are dedicated to public relations, diplomats, teachers, therapists, leaders of any kind, salespeople, etc.

How to encourage it: You can carry out group activities and team games, practice mediation and conflict resolution, volunteer, learn to listen and ask questions, learn assertiveness and social skills…

7. Intrapersonal intelligence

Is the ability to understand oneselfto have an idea as accurate as possible…