Howard Gardner concedes that a general factor may very well exist in intelligence, but he questions its usefulness in explaining people's performance in particular situations. In his view, children and adults have at least eight distinctly different abilities or multiple intelligences. The table below lists and describes Gardner's multiple intelligences and provides examples of relevant behaviors for each type of intelligence.
| Type of Intelligencea | Examples of Relevant Behaviors |
| Linguistic Intelligence Ability to use language effectively |
|
| Logical-Mathematical Intelligence Ability to reason logically, especially in mathematics and science |
|
| Spatial Intelligence Ability to notice details of what one sees and to imagine and manipulate visual objects in one's mind |
|
| Musical Intelligence Ability to create, comprehend, and appreciate music |
|
| Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence Ability to use one's body skillfully |
|
| Interpersonal Intelligence Ability to notice subtle aspects of other people's behaviors |
|
| Intrapersonal Intelligence Awareness of one's own feelings, motives, and desires |
|
| Naturalist Intelligence Ability to recognize patterns in nature and differences among natural objects and life-forms |
|
Sources: Gardner, 1983, 1993, 1999, 2000a; Gardner & Hatch, 1990.
aGardner has also suggested the possibility of an existential intelligence dedicated to philosophical and spiritual issues, but he acknowledges that evidence is weaker for it than for the eight intelligences described here.
bThis example may remind you of Piaget's theory of cognitive development. Many of the stage-relevant characteristics that Piaget described fall within the realm of logical-mathematical intelligence.
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