Howard Gardner is an American developmental psychologist. He thinks conventional definitions of intelligence are too narrow. He admits that there is a general aspect of intelligence but does not believe that it is effective in explaining an individual's performance in a particular situation. According to his point of view, people have eight different abilities, also known as multiple intelligences. He introduced the eight intelligences in 1983. Linguistic intelligence is an individual's ability to use language successfully. This means using it in persuasive arguments such as an influential speaker, a writer, and identifying meanings in words. The second skill is logical-mathematical intelligence, this is the ability to reason rationally in scientific and mathematical fields. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay This skill allows you to solve mathematical problems, generate mathematical proofs, and plan and test hypotheses about observable facts. The third skill is spatial intelligence, it is the ability to become aware of the details of what we observe and to manage visual objects in our imagination. An example of this skill is drawing a visual image of an object and finding small differences between similar things. The fourth intelligence is the musical ability to create, understand and appreciate music. This includes playing a musical instrument, composing a musical work. The fifth skill is bodily kinesthetic intelligence, the ability to skillfully use one's body. Some examples of this ability are dance, sports and aerobics. The sixth skill is interpersonal intelligence, the ability to become aware of minute aspects of the actions of others. Examples include correctly understanding the mood of others and identifying causal intentions and desires. Furthermore, using this knowledge gained from others to influence their thoughts and actions. The seventh skill is called intrapersonal intelligence, it is attention to our feelings, goals and desires. This includes being aware of your emotions such as happiness, sadness, and regret. This ability also includes using self-understanding to relate more effectively to others. The eighth skill is naturalistic intelligence, the ability to identify patterns in the natural world and distinguishing factors between natural substance and life forms, the way an individual attaches and adapts to their natural environment. An example of naturalist intelligence is the ability to recognize different plant or animal species, understanding natural forms such as mountains, rivers, rocks. Please note: this is just an example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay The difference between Piaget and Gardner's theory is that Piaget emphasizes the mental processes that occur rather than measuring actual intellectual abilities. It uses four areas to define intelligence, sensorimotor, preoperational, concrete operational, and formal operational. Gardner uses eight types of intelligence. Piaget places more emphasis on the biological approach or biological adaptation, his focus is on the physical and mental aspects of the body. According to Piaget, a child must go through these stages during his childhood to master a specific set of criteria in each stage. I think Gardner's theory of intelligences makes sense when I think about the intelligences that all children have. Some are better than others at these skills, but I believe separating these skills to place them in categories of different intelligence is wise. I agree with his idea that people have eights.
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