Gardner‘s Theory of Multiple Intelligences in Interactive Media
Chef: Howard Gardner. Ingredients: MI Theory.
“While we may continue to use the words smart and stupid, and while IQ tests may persist for certain purposes, the monopoly of those who believe in a single general intelligence has come to an end. Brain scientists and geneticists are documenting the incredible differentiation of human capacities, computer programmers are creating systems that are intelligent in different ways, and educators are freshly acknowledging that their students have distinctive strengths and weaknesses.”
Born on July 11th, 1943 in Scranton, Pennsylvania, Howard Gardner is a respected developmental psychologist at the Harvard Graduate School of Education.
Gardner has worked with the likes of Erik Erikson, Nelson Goodman and Jerome Bruner. Much of his most recent work has been with The Good Project, an initiative that encourages ethics, excellence and engagement in work, life and beyond or as stated on its website: “Ideas and Tools for a Good Life.”
His most notable and influential work though would have to be his theory of multiple intelligences, which is the topic of this paper.
This theory critiqued the standard way of gauging intelligence — instead of the correlation and interconnectedness of abilities emphasized in IQ tests and examinations of the like, Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences highlights the idea that humans process information in several different, and mostly independent ways.
Measuring one’s intelligence by one score alone can almost be seen as foolish. Knowing the complexity of the human mind and the capabilities, talents, etc. that one person can possess, how could one delineate how intelligent someone is by a single (IQ) test? Using a more diversified and unique way to understand how a human’s mind is developing can also be extremely effective in finding better and more complimentary ways to teach students and other learners. According to Gardner, a human’s way of processing information can be broken down into eight distinct intelligences:
Overview of the Multiple Intelligences
Linguistic
These learners are highly effective with words and language and typically have particularly developed auditory skills. As well, they tend to think with words and enjoy making up and/or writing stories, poetry and reading. This kind of person can be taught by seeing or using words and language to make connections to real life subjects, processes, actions, etc.
Logical-Mathematical
Learners that fall under the logical-mathematical category are exceptional with reasoning and calculations — they can explore abstract ideas and are able to understand patterns and relationships. These people enjoy experimentation, asking big questions and solving puzzles. It is necessary for this kind of person to form concepts and learn foundational material before delving deep into detail.
Visual-Spatial
This type of person is aware of their environment and the physical space they are surrounded with — one would typically enjoy drawing, painting, navigating and even daydreaming. Visual-Spatial learners can be taught using visual aides such as charts, graphs, images, models and almost any other form of physical imagery.
Intrapersonal
These learners have a great understanding of self and one’s own interests and goals, they are also confident and in touch with their inner feelings. Intrapersonal people may tend to shy away from others and have strong motivation and will. This type of person can learn most effectively through independent study and introspection.
Interpersonal
Learners under the Interpersonal category are incredibly empathetic and develop most efficiently while understanding and interacting with other people. This kind of person thrives with group activities and tends to have many friends — they also can learn through dialogue, seminars and open projects.
Musical
People under the Musical category are especially sensitive to sound and rhythm — they have a passion for music and have a general love for sound in and outside of their environment. Being very auditory-based learners, they can be taught through rhythmic speaking, lyrics and even tapping things out.
Bodily-Kinesthetic
This type of person has a sharp awareness of body and how to use it effectively. These learners are very hands-on — they enjoy making things, touching, movement and using their body to its full potential. They are effective communicators using body language and excel in physical activities, role playing and learning things on a first-hand basis.
Naturalistic
Learners under the Naturalistic grouping are keenly in touch with the natural world and can easily make distinctions and decisions in nature and utilize this ability actively and productively in hunting, farming and biological sciences. They are receptive to the environment and have a holistic and ethical understanding of the complexities of the world. Naturalistic people can learn most effectively through the culinary arts, botany and agriculture.
Theory of Multiple Intelligences in Interactive Media
Remember the last time you played Skyrim?
Every skill you work to improve for your avatar can be interpreted as its own intelligence.
I was able to find Speech — Linguistic, Sneak — Bodily-Kinesthetic, Alchemy — Naturalistic, you get it.
These concepts that can seem so distant and non-relatable to anyone outside of the psychological field relate directly to something as everyday as games and technology. This theory can also be applied to situations outside of developmental processes in something a bit more familiar, to at least myself — games.
While all these varying categories can seem to be slightly overwhelming, at its core, it really is something we’re quite accustomed to.
Another example of the theory of multiple intelligences in interactive media is Runescape and its skill system. Again, the player does not have just one number to define their in-game abilities but rather a multitude of varying and distinct skills to work on and improve individually.
Similar to both of these titles is Fallout New Vegas, another game that is heavily reliant on a skill system that categorizes a plethora of unique character traits such as Bartering, Repairing, Survival and much more for the player to improve upon.
A final example of the theory of multiple intelligences in games is Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. Yet again, another game that breaks down abilities into individual, distinguishable groups. And just like the others, the player can pick and choose when and what aspects to improve instead of playing to better just one overarching ability.
At this point, we can surmise that this breakdown of abilities is a common feature to many of our favorite games. Gardner’s idea that a human’s intelligence should be broken down into a variety of separate and individual intelligences to accurately depict the processes of the human mind is directly reflected in interactive media such as the games discussed.
Conclusion
Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences is not only a way to gauge an active learner’s level of intelligence — this theory can also be utilized as an incentive to push players to keep playing a game and to improve the skills of the character they are playing as. This theory almost seems fundamental in its simplicity and can therefore be applied to aspects outside of development in places we never thought we would find it.
