multiple intelligences

n. Theoretical perspective that intelligence extends beyond the analytical, verbal, and quantitative abilities measured by traditional intelligence tests; rather, intelligence may be demonstrated through extraordinary 
skill or ability in a range of various areas of human potential. The theory of multiple intelligences was originally proposed by Dr. Howard Gardner, who specified eight areas of intelligence: linguistic, logicalmathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalist (added after the original proposal of seven intelligences). The theory of multiple intelligences has received considerable attention in educational settings for its potential to alter instructional techniques to educate a range of students who possess different types of intelligence more effectively. While the theory of multiple intelligences provides a unique theoretical and philosophical perspective for examining the construct of intelligence, it is criticized for the inability to measure multiple intelligences in a psychometrically sound fashion as well as concerns that the different intelligences specified by multiple intelligence theory are simply different cognitive styles rather than independent constructs. – BJM