Multiple Intelligence Theory: How Intelligence Works

Although intelligence is often associated solely with "IQ," this is not entirely accurate. In our society, individuals deemed "intelligent" are generally seen as those who excel in mathematics and science. This perspective also extends to students who perform well in all subjects and are labeled as "intelligent." Due to these narrow societal definitions, individuals with great potential may fail to recognize their unique talents, lose confidence, or even develop perfectionistic tendencies due to self-imposed pressure. Society’s limited understanding of intelligence can hold back individuals who could achieve remarkable things. So, how does intelligence truly work? What actually makes a person "intelligent"?


What is the Theory of Multiple Intelligences?

The theory of multiple intelligences was proposed by Howard Gardner, a psychologist at Harvard. In this theory, Gardner suggests that intelligence does not operate as a single entity but can manifest in various domains. This approach explains why people who excel in one area might struggle in another. For example, someone highly talented in the arts might not perform as well in a quantitative field, yet this doesn’t mean they lack ability. So, how exactly does the theory of multiple intelligences work?

According to Gardner, there are eight different types of intelligence. Today, there is also consideration of a ninth type that could be added to this list. The eight types of intelligence are:

• Visual/spatial

• Musical

• Intrapersonal

• Interpersonal

• Mathematical

• Bodily-kinesthetic

• Naturalistic

• Verbal/linguistic intelligence

Let’s examine these types and understand where and how they function in the brain.

1) Visual Intelligence

To understand how visual intelligence operates, let's first go through the process of vision itself.

When light enters the eye, it first passes through the cornea, a transparent, dome-like structure located on the outer layer of the eye. Refraction begins here, with the cornea being the most refractive part of the eye. From the cornea, light moves to the pupil—the dark, circular part in the center of the eye. In low light, the pupil dilates to allow more light in, which happens due to the action of certain eye muscles. (Misalignment issues, such as strabismus, can occur if these muscles don't function properly.) In bright settings, the pupil contracts to protect eye health and ensure the retina receives the right amount of light. Its dark color prevents light from reflecting back out of the eye, maintaining clarity. After passing through the pupil, light reaches the lens, which further refracts it to focus on the retina. The retina, located at the back of the eye, contains light-sensitive cells that convert the light into electrical signals.

Key Points to Note:

• Multiple intelligences: Intelligence isn't just about IQ or academic performance. Gardner's theory suggests there are multiple forms of intelligence, each related to different strengths.

• Visual Intelligence: It involves how we process and interpret visual stimuli, which plays a major role in how we understand and navigate the world. The details of vision illustrate the complexity of sensory processing, related to visual intelligence.
  
  
  Edited by Rüzgar Kaçmaz
  Written by Betül Ebrar Özdemir
  
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