Multiple intelligence

The theory of multiple intelligences  differentiates intelligence into specific 'modalities', rather than seeing intelligence as dominated by a single general ability. Howard Gardner proposed this model in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences. According to the theory, an intelligence must fulfill eight criteria:

potential for brain isolation by brain damage,

place in evolutionary history,

presence of core operations,

susceptibility to encoding (symbolic expression),

a distinct developmental progression,

the existence of savants, prodigies and other exceptional people,

support from experimental psychology, and

support from psychometric findings.

Gardner proposed eight abilities that he held to meet these criteria:

musical-rhythmic,

visual-spatial,

verbal-linguistic,

logical-mathematical,

bodily-kinesthetic,

interpersonal,

intrapersonal, and

naturalistic.

He later suggested that existential and moral  intelligence may also be worthy of inclusion.

Although the distinction between intelligences has been set out in great detail, Gardner opposes the idea of labeling learners to a specific intelligence. Gardner maintains that his theory should "empower learners", not restrict them to one modality of learning.According to Gardner, an intelligence is "a biopsychological potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture."

Many of Gardner's "intelligences" correlate with the g factor, supporting the idea of a single, dominant type of intelligence. According to a 2006 study, each of the domains proposed by Gardner involved a blend of g, cognitive abilities other than g, and, in some cases, non-cognitive abilities or personality characteristics