You must read each slide, and complete any questions on the slide, in sequence.
Critical Thinking Exercise
Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences
Howard Gardner argues that a single measure of intelligence, or a global IQ score, does not accurately reflect an individual’s overall mental ability. Moreover, he maintains that intelligence must be defined within the context of a particular culture. Let’s assume we are trying to understand the mental abilities of two adults—one from the United States, the other from an uncontacted tribe in the Brazilian rain forest (i.e., members of uncontacted tribes associate only with one another and have no interaction with the outside world). Would a standard intelligence test, such as the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS), provide us with an accurate understanding of both adults’ overall mental abilities? Would the types of skills that are considered a reflection of intelligent behavior in the United States apply to the adult in the uncontacted tribe? Will a New Yorker’s ability to navigate busy and congested streets as a pedestrian assist them in surviving in the Brazilian rain forest? Will a member of an uncontacted tribe’s ability to distinguish poisonous plants assist them in walking the streets of New York? As Gardner emphasizes, we may need to broaden our conceptualization of intelligence. As you reflect on these questions, consider Gardner’s position that intelligence is the ability to solve problems, or create products, that are valued within one or more cultural settings.
Use Figure 7.6 on page 278 of your textbook to answer Questions 1–3.
1 of 8
Identify two types of intelligence that might be especially important for an adult in the United States.
Your answer has been provisionally accepted. You'll get full credit for now, but your instructor may update your grade later after evaluating it.
2 of 8
Identify two types of intelligence that might be especially important for an adult in the uncontacted tribe. (If you need more information about uncontacted tribes, conduct an online search for “uncontacted Indians of Brazil,” or “Brazil’s uncontacted tribes.”) Make sure to explain why these types of intelligence might be important for an adult in an uncontacted tribe.
Your answer has been provisionally accepted. You'll get full credit for now, but your instructor may update your grade later after evaluating it.
3 of 8
Which types of intelligence do you think best characterize your own abilities? Explain your answer.
Your answer has been provisionally accepted. You'll get full credit for now, but your instructor may update your grade later after evaluating it.
4 of 8
Overall, do you think Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences provides an accurate overview of the diversity in human intelligence? That is, does it adequately explain unique patterns of strengths and weaknesses among people? Briefly explain your answer.
Your answer has been provisionally accepted. You'll get full credit for now, but your instructor may update your grade later after evaluating it.
Overall, do you think Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences provides an accurate overview of the diversity in human intelligence? That is, does it adequately explain unique patterns of strengths and weaknesses among people? Briefly explain your answer.
5 of 8
According to Gardner’s theory, blank intelligence refers to our ability to mentally visualize the relationships of objects or movements.
6 of 8
Byron has always been interested in animals. As a child, he and his parents visited over 30 zoos and collected dozens of books, games, and videos about animals. In high school, Byron volunteered at a local veterinarian’s office. He is currently in his junior year of college and majoring in zoology. According to Gardner’s theory, Byron likely scores high in blank intelligence.
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Gardner has recently identified a ninth possible intelligence that he refers to as:
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According to Gardner, what does research on individuals who have experienced brain damage reveal about intelligence?
Suggested Answer: In his research on individuals with brain damage, Gardner noted that some mental abilities are spared, while others are lost. This suggests that different mental abilities are biologically distinct and controlled by different areas of the brain.