Howard Gardner

Howard Gardner was an American developmental psychologist who developed the theory of multiple intelligences. Gardner proposed that people have different ways of processing stimuli and information and theorized that these different types of intelligence mostly work independently of each other. This goes against the concept of a generalized all-encompassing intelligence that can be measured as a whole. There are eight types of intelligence in the theory of multiple intelligences: mathematical/logical, spacial, kinesthetic (body movement like dancers and athletes), linguistic, musical, naturalistic (sensitive to the environment like a botanist or geologist), interpersonal (sensitive to others' feelings and moods like a counselor or teacher), and intrapersonal (introspective). People have varying proficiencies at these different types of intelligence. Gardner is still working on his research currently and some proposals to add more types of intelligence are being considered.