Beyond g: Putting multiple intelligences theory to the test

Abstract

We investigated Gardner's "Theory of Multiple Intelligences" in a sample of 200 adults. For each of the hypothesized eight "intelligence" domains–Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Spatial, Interpersonal, Intrapersonal, Musical, Bodily-Kinesthetic, Naturalistic–we selected two tests based on Gardner's description of its content. Factor analysis revealed a large g factor having substantial loadings for tests assessing purely cognitive abilities–Linguistic, Logical/Mathematical, Spatial, Naturalistic, Interpersonal–but lower loadings for tests of other abilities, especially Bodily-Kinesthetic. Within most domains, the two tests showed some (weak) non-g associations, thus providing modest support for the coherence of those domains, which resemble the group factors of hierarchical models of intelligence. Results support previous findings that highly diverse tests of purely cognitive abilities share strong loadings on a factor of general intelligence, and that abilities involving sensory, motor, or personality influences are less strongly g-loaded.