Artificial Intelligence - Types of Intelligence



Howard Gardner is a development psychologist who suggested that intelligence can be in more than one way. In order to capture the full range of abilities and talents that people possess, Gardner theorizes that people do not have just intellectual capacity, but many kinds of intelligence, which include −

Gardner first outlines this theory in this 1983 book Frames of Mind : the theory of Multiple Intelligences, where he suggested each person has multiple kinds of intelligences.
Types of Intelligence

Linguistic Intelligence

People who have strong linguistic-verbal intelligence have natural affinity for words and language. They possess good understanding of semantics, sound, and rhythm of words and ability to express complex meaning through language. This intelligence can be strengthened by continuous reading, writing, storytelling, and engaging in abstract reasoning.

People with linguistic intelligence will be able to use the right words and express their views effectively in various scenarios.

You have high linguistic intelligence if you possess the following traits −

  • Aware of broad vocabulary and understand when and how to use certain words.
  • Have the ease to grasp other language and dialects.
  • Comfortable both in speaking and writing, while using the appropriate words.

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence

Logical-Mathematical Intelligence is the ability to calculate, quantify, and carry out complete mathematical operations. Someone with strong logical-mathematical intelligence often show interest in reasoning, recognizing patterns, and logically analyzing problems. They tend to think conceptually about numbers, relations, and patterns.

You have high logical-mathematical intelligence if you possess the following traits −

  • Good with numbers and confident in taking tasks that involve quantifying things, such as math and arithmetic questions.
  • Enjoy playing puzzles, logic and strategy games.

Interpersonal Intelligence

Interpersonal intelligence is the ability to understand and interact effectively with others. These individuals are skilled at sensing emotions, motivations, desires, and intentions of those around them, this can be linked to both verbal and non-verbal communication skills.

You have high interpersonal intelligence if you are good at −

  • Identifying distinctions and differences among a group of people.
  • Making large group of friends and are comfortable in making conversation with strangers.
  • Identifying emotions of others, and have the capability to view situations from different perceptions.

Intrapersonal Intelligence

Intrapersonal intelligence is the capacity to understand oneself and one's thoughts and feelings, and to use it in directing one's life. It also involves appreciating and respecting the human condition, in general, treating others the way they would want to be treated.

Intrapersonal Intelligence refers to self-awareness and people's ability to understand themselves.

You are said to have high intrapersonal intelligence if you possess the following −

  • You are self-motivated and put yourself first.
  • You are independent, aware of and take actions based on your feelings.
  • You enjoy spending time with your self.

Musical Intelligence

Musical learners possess high sensitivity to various elements of sounds like pitch, rhythm, timebre, and tone. This intelligence allows to create, produce, and reflect on music. People who possess this intelligence often are comfortable with playing music in the background while doing other things.

Great careers for people with musical intelligence are musician, composer, singer, music teacher, and conductor.

Visual-Spatial Intelligence

Visual-Spatial Intelligence is possessed by people who are strong at visualizing things in three dimensions. It involves the following capabilities −

  • Mental Imagery − This capability allows to draw an image without external reference, from memories or previous experiences.
  • Spatial Reasoning − This capability is to think about objects in 3D with limited information.
  • Image Manipulation − This capability involves the imagination of a change to a object even before it is done.
  • Artistic Skills − This capability allows to create artwork.

For example, teaching a spatially intelligent student about solar system is more effective as they manipulate it in a 3D model. This will help them conceptualize the planet's size and distance between each other.

Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence

Bodily-Kinesthetic learners have a good understanding of their body movement, performing actions, and physical control. People who are strong in this area tend to have excellent body-mind coordination. You have high bodily-kinesthetic intelligence if you possess −

  • The ability to communicate well using body language, using gestured and actions to convey your message.
  • Good sense of timing when it comes to physical tasks and activities.
  • The ability to handle objects controlled with economy of movement.

Naturalist Intelligence

Someone who has strong naturalist intelligence has the ability to read and understand nature. They are often interested in nurturing, exploring the environment, and learning about other species. They are said to have high knowledge on the subtle changes to their environment.

You are said to have high naturalist intelligence if −

  • You love nature and spending time outdoors.
  • You connect easily with animals.
  • You are good at taking care of ansimals and nourishing plants.

Existential Intelligence

Existential intelligence refers to people who understand meaning of existence and handle deep questions. People with such intelligence not only have interest in answering deep questions but also strive to find the answer.

You have high existential intelligence if you can −

  • Find answers to questions like- "what is the meaning of life?" or "what happens after death?"
  • You understand and have interest in understanding the reason for human existence.
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