Multiple intelligence testing is designed to give a full picture of your abilities. Psychologist Howard Gardner developed the theory of multiple intelligences in the 1980s. Gardner proposed that human intelligence is not a single, fixed entity but a set of multiple intelligences, each with unique characteristics. He initially identified seven intelligences and later added an eighth. Multi-intelligence testing derives from his important work. This post is designed to go over the services we can provide and the multiple intelligence tests we use, but if you have specific questions about multiple IQ, our services, or how this type of psychological assessment could benefit you, please feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation any time.
Multiple Intelligence Testing: Our Services
We can provide multi-intelligence testing that shows your strengths and weaknesses among some of the eight axes. Then, we can fill in the gaps by interviewing you about the other areas. The result is a report that gives a full picture of your abilities. This information can prove very helpful as you make decisions during transitional times.
Multi-Intelligence Testing Axes
The eight areas that would be part of a multiple intelligence testing process are:
- Linguistic: This refers to the ability to use language effectively in writing and speaking. People with high linguistic IQ are skilled in writing and speaking and often excel in activities like storytelling and debating.
- Logical-Mathematical: This involves logical reasoning and mathematical problem-solving. People with high logical-mathematical intelligence are good at analyzing problems, performing calculations, and conducting scientific experiments.
- Spatial: This involves perceiving and manipulating visual and spatial information. Those with high spatial abilities are often skilled in map reading, navigation, and artistic endeavors.
- Musical: This refers to the ability to appreciate, compose, and perform music. People with high musical IQ may have a strong sense of rhythm, melody, and harmony.
- Bodily-Kinesthetic: This relates to physical coordination and skill. Individuals with high bodily-kinesthetic IQ excel in sports, dance, and physical performance.
- Interpersonal: This involves understanding and relating to others effectively. People with this ability are skilled in communication, empathy, and building relationships.
- Intrapersonal: This relates to self-awareness and understanding one’s thoughts, emotions, and motivations. Individuals with high intrapersonal skills are often self-reflective and have a deep understanding of themselves.
- Naturalistic: Gardner added this category later. It involves an appreciation for and understanding of the natural world, including plants, animals, and the environment. Those with high naturalistic intelligence may better categorize and identify natural elements.
- Existential: This area was added later and referred to the ability to think deeply about meaning and large and complex concepts.
Multiple Intelligence Testing Strategy
The following are the various methods and multi-intelligence testing assessments inspired by Howard Gardner’s theory for identifying and measuring different strengths.
Self Assessment
We can use questionnaires or surveys where you answer questions related to different areas of intellect. These multiple IQ self-assessments might indicate your strengths across multiple areas. These surveys often provide a starting point. Many people ask to be assessed in a certain area, but it is not uncommon for us to realize that other areas are also worth assessing.
Observational Assessments as Multiple Intelligence Testing
We sometimes observe a client in various settings to identify their multiple IQ strengths. For instance, for younger children, we might observe or ask a teacher to observe them in various contexts. We or the teacher might notice a student excelling in artistic activities (indicative of high spatial or artistic ability) or social interactions (indicative of high interpersonal IQ). As adults, we may count on you to self-observe, noting how things go in certain specific experiences.
Performance-Based Multi-Intelligence Testing
These multi-intelligence testing measures involve tasks or activities that directly test specific areas. For example, a musical intelligence test might involve tasks related to recognizing tones or rhythms, while a spatial IQ evaluation might include tasks like assembling puzzles or visualizing complex shapes. Because we are not experts in these areas, we often enlist the help of a specialist. Some examples are music teachers, engineering professors, or athletic coaches.
Psychological Multiple Intelligence Testing
Certain psychological tests can be used to measure specific multiple IQ areas. These can involve tasks tailored to each intelligence area to gauge the individual’s strengths and weaknesses. We describe emotional Intelligence testing elsewhere. We can also measure linguistic abilities using common tests such as the WISC Test.
Remember that these assessments might not definitively measure someone’s overall IQ, as this is a complex and multifaceted concept. They can, however, offer insights into an individual’s preferences, strengths, and areas for potential development.
Multiple Intelligence Tests
There are no standardized “multiple intelligence tests” to assess all these areas in one assessment. Instead, we combine measures, surveys, and assessment tools to measure specific types. Here are some of the ways we put together a battery:
- Linguistic: We might use an Intelligence Quotient (IQ) in combination with specific linguistic achievement measures, educational reports, and our observations and insights to determine linguistic intelligence. There is no standard score, so we must do some subjective reasoning.
- Logical-Mathematical: IQ and achievement measures are used in this area, and we can also add some specific mathematical reasoning measures.
- Spatial: Specific subtests within IQ measures measure this area, and we can also conduct some neuropsychological assessments to help us develop an overall rating.
- Musical: This is hard to measure objectively, so we have to rely on your background and any rating, grading, or evaluations you’ve received. We can look into referring you to an expert who can provide us with additional information.
- Bodily-Kinesthetic: This is another area that is hard to measure objectively, so we rely on your report of sports performance (including movement arts if necessary), any awards and achievements you’ve earned, and feedback you’ve received. Again, we may be able to refer you to a specialist to give us additional information, but that is not always necessary.
- Interpersonal: We can use specific normed assessments to understand your skills. We also count on our interactions with you and the feedback we can gather from others in your life. We might also do an eIQ test.
- Intrapersonal: Projective testing, other standardized measures, and results from our interviews with you can be very helpful here.
- Naturalistic: We rely on your interviews about your knowledge and insights in this area. Sometimes, records from college and other education can also be helpful.
- Existential: This area is difficult to measure, so we often rely on conversation and deep problem-solving.
We combine the above to give you a report covering all the multi-intelligence testing areas. The goal is to provide multiple IQ scores and conclusions that help you make decisions, capitalize on strengths, and overcome challenges.
Multiple IQ Testing Example: Adult
Samantha is considering a career change. She is currently a retail manager but is considering going into marketing. She hopes that multiple intelligence tests might help her understand how her unique blend of intellectual skills might be a fit for this change. We put together the following battery of multiple intelligence tests combined with certain tasks that can add depth and power to our conclusions.
Linguistic Multiple Intelligence Tests
Empirical Assessment: We give Samantha the WAIS to understand her verbal side abilities. We also gave her an achievement test that assessed her word knowledge.
Activity: We provide a short story and ask her to write an alternative ending or a poem summarizing the story. This task will evaluate creativity, use of language, and ability to convey ideas effectively.
Interpersonal/Social
Empirical Assessment: We examine certain WAIS subtests and give her a Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) to assess her interpersonal style.
Activity: We observe Samantha in a group activity with others we are testing. The task involves collaborative problem-solving, where participants must work together. This activity assesses communication skills, ability to work in a team, and sensitivity to others’ emotions.
Intrapersonal Multiple IQ Measures
Empirical Assessment: We give Samantha the projective TAT and also the House-Tree-Person and Draw-a-Person tests
Activity: We ask her to write a reflective essay on their strengths, weaknesses, and how they handle stress. This task evaluates self-awareness, insight, and depth of reflection.
Existential Multi-Intelligence Testing
Activity: We engage Samatha in a discussion about a philosophical question, such as “What is the meaning of life?” This is designed to evaluate the depth of her thought, understanding of abstract concepts, and ability to connect ideas.
These multiple intelligence tests are specifically designed to help identify strengths in different areas that might relate to a change to the marketing field. Samantha does well in each area, showing she may be a good fit for the career change she is contemplating. The multi-intelligence testing psychological testing report also gives her information on what she needs to work on to ensure her entry into her new field is smooth, and she can continually grow.
Multiple Intelligence Testing Example: Adolescent
Sophia is a 13-year-old girl in the 8th grade who has been referred for evaluation by her school counselor. Sophia is well-liked by her peers, and her teachers describe her as a creative and motivated student, but she struggles with traditional assessments like standardized tests. Her parents are concerned because while she demonstrates strong skills in art and music, her academic performance in more traditional subjects such as mathematics and reading is inconsistent. The school is interested in identifying her strengths and potential growth areas using a more holistic approach and thus referred her for multiple intelligence testing.
Presenting Concerns
- Struggles with traditional assessments (e.g., standardized tests)
- Inconsistent performance in subjects like math and reading
- Strong skills in art and music but limited opportunities to explore these strengths in the classroom
- Need for a more individualized learning approach
Multiple Intelligence Tests Given
Sophia underwent multiple intelligence testing with us, exploring her abilities across Gardner’s eight intelligences. These multiple IQs were evaluated using a combination of structured activities, interviews, observations, and self-report questionnaires. The key areas assessed were:
- Linguistic Intelligence (Word Smart): Sophia demonstrated average linguistic intelligence during multiple intelligence testing. She could express herself clearly in writing and orally, but she often struggled to organize her thoughts quickly, particularly in timed writing tasks. She was more comfortable with narrative writing rather than analytical essays.
- Multiple IQ Score: High average
- Strengths: Creative storytelling, strong vocabulary
- Challenges: Timed tasks, analytical writing
- Logical-Mathematical Multiple Intelligence Testing (Number/Reasoning Smart): Sophia’s logical-mathematical intelligence was lower than expected. She struggled with abstract reasoning tasks, such as solving complex math problems, and often felt overwhelmed when asked to work with numbers. However, she enjoyed pattern-based activities like puzzles and games, though she didn’t always apply this reasoning to formal academic contexts.
- Multiple IQ Score: Below average
- Strengths: Pattern recognition, logical thinking in informal contexts
- Challenges: Abstract mathematical concepts, complex problem-solving
- Spatial Intelligence (Picture Smart): This intelligence was one of Sophia’s strongest areas in her multi-intelligence testing. She showed exceptional skill in visualizing objects and environments in her mind. She excelled in drawing and had a particular interest in architecture. Her teachers reported that she often used detailed sketches to accompany her written work and demonstrated advanced spatial reasoning during group activities.
- Multiple IQ Score: Very high
- Strengths: Drawing, spatial awareness, visual creativity
- Challenges: Limited practical application of spatial skills in academic tasks
- Musical Intelligence (Music Smart): Sophia scored highly on multiple intelligence tests of musical intelligence. She played several instruments and had a natural ability to understand and create music. She quickly picked up new melodies and rhythms and demonstrated a strong sense of pitch and rhythm during musical activities. Music was also a way for her to focus and calm down during stressful periods.
- Multiple IQ Score: Very high
- Strengths: Playing instruments, musical composition, rhythm
- Challenges: Limited school support for music-focused learning
- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence (Body Smart): Sophia showed moderate strength on bodily-kinesthetic multiple intelligence tests. She was very active, excelling in dance and sports. Her teachers noted that she learned best when engaging physically with the material, such as by using hands-on activities to explore science concepts or participating in group work involving physical movement.
- Multiple IQ Score: Above average
- Strengths: Dance, physical coordination, hands-on learning
- Challenges: Learning through passive listening or reading
- Interpersonal Intelligence (People Smart): Sophia scored highly on multiple intelligence tests of interpersonal awareness. She was emotionally perceptive, often noticing when her peers were upset and taking the initiative to comfort them. Teachers described her as a natural leader in group work and social settings. She collaborated effectively with others, offering support and encouragement in team settings.
- Multiple IQ Score: High
- Strengths: Leadership, empathy, group collaboration
- Challenges: Difficulty asserting herself when working with more dominant personalities
- Intrapersonal Intelligence (Self-Smart): Sophia clearly understood herself. She had good emotional awareness, often reflecting on her strengths and weaknesses, and was open to feedback. However, she struggled with managing her time and setting long-term goals, sometimes allowing her to feel disorganized or overwhelmed.
- Multiple IQ Score: Above average
- Strengths: Self-awareness, emotional reflection
- Challenges: Time management, goal setting
- Naturalistic Intelligence (Nature Smart): Sophia demonstrated moderate naturalistic intelligence. She enjoyed nature and was particularly interested in animals, plants, and environmental science, but this area was less developed than her artistic and musical strengths. She enjoyed spending time outdoors but didn’t always integrate this interest into her schoolwork.
- Multiple IQ Score: Average
- Strengths: Interest in nature, environmental awareness
- Challenges: Limited academic focus on nature-related topics
Analysis of Multiple IQ Tests
- Strengths: On this battery of multi-intelligence testing, Sophia has significant strengths in spatial, musical, and interpersonal intelligences. These strengths suggest that she has great potential in creative and artistic fields, particularly in visual arts, music, and activities that involve working with others. She could benefit from a learning environment that incorporates more hands-on and interactive experiences, where she can engage her natural talents.
- Challenges: Her lower scores in logical-mathematical intelligence and some aspects of linguistic intelligence may contribute to her struggles in more traditional subjects, like math and reading. It’s important to consider that her challenges may also be linked to the way subjects are taught—if lessons are highly abstract or heavily text-based, they may not align well with her strengths.
Multiple Intelligence Testing Conclusion
Sophia’s multi-intelligence testing profile suggests she is a highly creative, socially adept, and musically inclined adolescent. Her challenges with traditional assessments and academic subjects like math can be addressed through alternative teaching strategies that align with her strengths. Given her high spatial and musical abilities, incorporating more visual and musical elements into her learning experiences could boost her confidence and academic performance.
Recommendations
- Educational Approach: Teachers could integrate more visual and hands-on activities into the classroom, such as using visual aids in math lessons, incorporating music into learning, and providing opportunities for Sophia to explore architecture and design.
- Extracurricular Opportunities: Sophia should be encouraged to pursue her interests in art, music, and dance outside of the traditional classroom. A specialized program in the arts could help her cultivate her talents and enhance her self-esteem.
- Social and Emotional Support: Sophia would benefit from social-emotional learning opportunities that help her develop self-regulation skills and time-management strategies. Counseling or mentorship could help her with setting personal and academic goals.
- Strength-based Learning: Emphasize project-based learning and collaborative activities where Sophia can take on leadership roles, drawing on her interpersonal intelligence and creativity.
This case study highlights how multiple intelligences testing can provide a more nuanced understanding of an adolescent’s strengths and challenges, leading to a more individualized and holistic approach to their education.
Multiple Intelligence Tests Summary
Multiple intelligence tests can be quite helpful for anyone looking to develop their strengths and work on potential challenges. They can point adults in the right direction if they consider a career change or want to improve their job performance. Multiple intelligence tests can also be used as part of compatibility testing, though people often want to find someone with different strengths to make a perfect match.
Multiple intelligence testing can also be used to improve your social experience and relationships and generally to choose activities and hobbies that may be a good fit. For college students, multi-intelligence testing
If you are interested in multiple intelligence testing to provide insights into your strengths and preferences across these areas, our services can help. Multi-intelligence testing can be useful for personal development and understanding your unique abilities regarding school, work, and social decision-making. Contact us any time to talk further about multiple intelligence testing.
