Synonyms
Definition
The theory of Multiple Intelligences (MI) was introduced by Howard Gardner (1983) in his book Frames of Mind. Its main characteristic is the assumption that individuals differ not only in a single intelligence (g or general intelligence) but rather in a set of relatively autonomous intelligences. Intelligence is defined as 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 (Gardner 1999). In contrast to MI which is associated with individual differences in cognitive abilities, the term Learning Styles refers to individual differences in the habits, preferences, or orientation toward learning and studying. Research into learning styles has developed independently of Gardner’s theory, but the MI profiles were sometimes misinterpreted as learning styles.
Theoretical Background
Gardner emphasized that the...
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
References
Gardner, H. (1983). Frames of mind: The theory of multiple intelligences. New York: Basic Books.
Gardner, H. (1999). Intelligence reframed: Multiple intelligences for the 21st century. New York: Basic Books.
Gardner, H. (2004). Audiences for the theory of multiple intelligences. Teachers College Record, 106, 212–220.
Klein, P. D. (2003). Rethinking the multiplicity of cognitive resources and curricular representations: Alternatives to ‘Learning Styles’ and ‘Multiple Intelligences’. Journal of Curriculum Studies, 35(1), 45–81.
Visser, B. A., Ashton, M. C., & Vernon, P. A. (2006). Beyond g: Putting multiple intelligences theory to the test. Intelligence, 34(5), 487–502.
Waterhouse, L. (2006). Multiple intelligence, the mozart effect, and emotional intelligence: A critical review. Educational Psychologist, 41(4), 207–225.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Corresponding author
Editor information
Editors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
Copyright information
© 2012 Springer Science+Business Media, LLC
About this entry
Cite this entry
Grabner, R.H. (2012). Multiple Intelligences and Learning Styles. In: Seel, N.M. (eds) Encyclopedia of the Sciences of Learning. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_149
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-1428-6_149
Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA
Print ISBN: 978-1-4419-1427-9
Online ISBN: 978-1-4419-1428-6
eBook Packages: Humanities, Social Sciences and Law