Who gave the concept of multiple intelligence?

2019

Who gave the concept of multiple intelligence?

  1. A.

    Gardner

  2. B.

    Spearman

  3. C.

    Goleman

  4. D.

    John Mayer

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: A

Concept: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences holds that intelligence is not a single, unified capacity measurable by one IQ score. Instead, human intelligence comprises several distinct, relatively independent abilities — such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, musical, interpersonal, and intrapersonal intelligence — each an autonomous way of processing information and solving problems.

Application: Psychologist Howard Gardner introduced this theory in his 1983 book Frames of Mind: The Theory of Multiple Intelligences, initially proposing seven such intelligences (he later added naturalistic intelligence as an eighth). He argued that conventional IQ tests measure only linguistic and logical-mathematical ability while ignoring the other, equally valid intelligences people display — so it is Gardner who gave the concept the question is asking about.

Cross-check — why the other names do not fit:

  • Spearman's model is the Two-Factor Theory of Intelligence, resting on one general factor 'g' shared across all abilities plus task-specific factors 's' — intelligence here stays a single underlying trait rather than several independent ones.

  • Goleman is remembered for bringing Emotional Intelligence into mainstream awareness through his 1995 book, a framework built around recognising and managing emotions specifically, not a broader set of independent intelligences.

  • Mayer, alongside Peter Salovey, built the formal ability model of Emotional Intelligence in 1990, again centred on emotional competency rather than a wider taxonomy of intelligences.

Hence the concept of multiple intelligence was given by Gardner.

Explore the full course: Ctet Paper 1

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