Howard Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences, which described intelligence as consisting of eight specific abilities rather than a single ability. These include spatial, linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinaesthetic, musical, intrapersonal, interpersonal and naturalistic intelligences. Charles Spearman developed his theory of general intelligence ("g") through statistical analysis showing that individuals who perform well on one type of cognitive test tend to perform well on others. While Spearman believed intelligence could be measured by IQ tests, Gardner felt it could not be defined by one measure. Both theories were initially criticized for lacking empirical evidence but succeeded in broadening the definition of intelligence and influencing modern theories.

1. Year 11 Psychology By Rahmat Houssaini
Extended Response Question- Intelligence
Intelligence has been defined in many different ways including, abstract thoughts, understanding,
self-awareness, communication, learning new knowledge, having emotional knowledge and problem
solving. There are different kinds of theories of intelligence including Charles Spearman’s factor g,
Howard Gardner’s multiple intelligence and few others.
The theory of multiple intelligence was proposed by Howard Gardner in 1983 that describes
intelligence into various specific stages, rather than saying that intelligence is a single ability. In
Gardner’s theory he argues that there is a wide range of cognitive abilities. The theory predicts that
a child who learns to multiply easily is not necessarily more intelligent than a child who has more
difficulty on this task. His theory explains that humans have eight abilities of intelligences such as
spatial, linguistic, logical-mathematical, bodily-kinaesthetic, musical, intrapersonal, interpersonal
and naturalistic. He considers that moral intelligence may also be worthy of inclusion.
Charles Spearman developed his theory through a statistical method called factor analysis. He gave
different tests to many children, measuring their ability on various tasks which he assumed were
associated intelligence for example general knowledge and reasoning. Spearman found that
individuals who scored high on one kind of test who tented to score high on others. Spearman
concluded that this relationship was due to general underlying factor which we all possess in varying
amounts. He called this factor “g” and described g as a kind of well or stream of mental energy that
flows into everything an individual does. Charles Spearman’s model of intelligence is based on his
observation that all tests of mental abilities are positively correlated. Spearman also believed that
two other factors affect performance on mental abilities tests. One was the general factor or general
intelligence; this is focused on the mental relation of all mental tests.
The major difference between their two intelligence theories is that Spearman believed that
intelligence could measure by IQ tests or mental abilities tests. Gardner however believed that
intelligence could not be tied down to just one definition because there is more one type of human
intelligence. Another difference between the two psychologist's theories are basically the same, but
explained differently. Spearman's theories are narrow focusing on one general type of intelligence, G
and reaction time. Gardner's theories are essentially the same but broader focusing on multiple
intelligences. Point here is that Gardner doesn't believe that one intelligence can be sufficient to
determine intelligence. As for overall use of these theories, Spearman's theory has more evidence
that it works compared to Gardner's theory. The proof conquers that there is a connection between
someone's IQ and simple everyday tasks. The only place where Spearman's theory is suspect is that
it doesn't account for all people. Example; if you gave a poor child an intelligence test, they would
probably score poorly thus be deemed to have a below average intelligence. However, the child
probably knows how to do basic math to survive and get by, consequently, it can't take into account
different talents that certain individuals have.
Now the major way that both of these great psychologist theories are similar is that during their
development they were criticized for not having enough empirical evidence. Many other
psychologists believed they were basing these theories on pure intuition and guessing rather than on
real physical evidence. Both mean when developing their theories sought to reshape and broaden
their era's general definition of intelligence. They both succeed in this task in that as of today many

2. Year 11 Psychology By Rahmat Houssaini
people are still using those theories in classes around the world and many psychologists use their
theories as the basis for their own investigations.