What Kind of Thinker Are You?

Multiple Intelligences Theory, developed originally by psychologist Howard Gardner of Harvard University, is one of the coolest theories about intelligence. Traditional intelligence tests (such as the Stanford-Binet) assess only spatial and verbal intelligence. These areas are typically the areas (vocabulary, listening skills, memory, math, spatial skills) that are emphasized in school.

Gardner's theory expanded human intelligence to include other areas such as artistic, kinesthetic, and musical. Of course these areas are more difficult to test, but exist as strengths and weaknesses in all of us. For example, many of the students I work with have linguistic weaknesses, and reading and learning problems, but have have superb artistic, musical, kinesthetic, or interpersonal skills. Here are the various aspects of Multiple Intelligences, according to the BBC Science & Nature Homepage.

Logical-Mathematical Thinkers
		Logical-Mathematical thinkers: Like to understand patterns and relationships between objects or actions Try to understand the world in terms of causes and effects Are good at thinking critically, and solving problems creatively
		Other Logical-Mathematical Thinkers include Isaac Newton, Archimedes, Albert Einstein Careers which suit Logical-Mathematical thinkers include Physicist, Chemist, Biologist, Lawyer, Computer Programmer, Engineer, Inventor

Linguistic Thinkers
		Linguistic thinkers: Tend to think in words, and like to use language to express complex ideas. Are sensitive to the sounds and rhythms of words as well as their meanings.
		Other Linguistic Thinkers include William Shakespeare, Sylvia Plath, Anne Frank Careers which suit Linguistic thinkers include Journalist, Librarian, Salesperson, Proof-reader, Translator, Poet, Lyricist

Interpersonal Thinkers
		Interpersonal thinkers: Like to think about other people, and try to understand them Recognize differences between individuals and appreciate that different people have different perspectives Make an effort to cultivate effective relationships with family, friends and colleagues
		Other Interpersonal thinkers include Winston Churchill, Mother Teresa, William Shakespeare Careers which suit Interpersonal thinkers include Politician, Psychologist, Nurse, Counselor, Teacher

Intrapersonal thinkers
		Intrapersonal thinkers: Spend a lot of time thinking about and trying to understand themselves Reflect on their thoughts and moods, and work to improve them You understand how your behavior affects your relationships with others
		Other Intrapersonal thinkers include Sigmund Freud, Gandhi, Grahame Greene Careers which suit Intrapersonal Thinkers include Psychologist, Teacher, Pilot, Child Care worker, Explorer, Drama therapist

Naturalist Thinkers
		Naturalist Thinkers: Like to understand the natural world, and the living beings that inhabit it have an aptitude for communicating with animals You try to understand patterns of life and natural forces
		Other Naturalist thinkers include Charles Darwin, Jane Goodall, Johnny Morris, David Attenborough Careers which suit Naturalist thinkers include Biologist, Meteorologist, Forester, Farmer, Astronomer, Alternative therapist

Existential Thinkers
		Existential thinkers: Like to spend time thinking about philosophical issues such as "What is the meaning of life?" Try to see beyond the 'here and now', and understand deeper meanings consider moral and ethical implications of problems as well as practical solutions
		Other Existential Thinkers include The Buddha, Gandhi, Plato, Socrates, Martin Luther King Careers which suit Existential Thinkers include Philosopher, Religious Leader, Head of state, Artist, Writer

Musical Thinkers
		Musical thinkers: Tend to think in sounds, and may also think in rhythms and melodies Are sensitive to the sounds and rhythms of words as well as their meanings. Feel a strong connection between music and emotions
		Other Musical Thinkers include Mozart, John Lennon, Jimi Hendrix Careers which suit Musical Thinkers include Musician, Music teacher, Sound engineer, Recording technician

Spatial Thinkers
		Spatial Thinkers: Tend to think in pictures, and can develop good mental models of the physical world. Think well in three dimensions Have a flair for working with objects
		Other Spatial Thinkers include Pablo Picasso, Michelangelo, Isambard Kingdom Brunel Careers which suit Spatial Thinkers include Mechanic, Photographer, Artist, Architect, Engineer, Builder, Set designer

Kinaesthetic Thinkers
		Kinesthetic thinkers: Think in movements. Like to use their bodies in skilful and expressive ways Have an aptitude for working with your hands
		Other Kinesthetic Thinkers include Houdini, Rudolph Nureyev, David Beckham Careers which suit Kinesthetic Thinkers include Sportsperson, Craftsperson, Surgeon, Actor, Dancer, Coach, Physiotherapist

I took the "What Kind of Thinker Are You?" quiz to find out which multiple intelligence is my strength. Here is the result.

You are an Intrapersonal thinker
		Intrapersonal thinkers: Spend a lot of time thinking about and trying to understand themselves Reflect on their thoughts and moods, and work to improve them You understand how your behavior affects your relationships with others
		Other Intrapersonal thinkers include Sigmund Freud, Gandhi, Grahame Greene Careers which suit Intrapersonal Thinkers include Psychologist, Teacher, Pilot, Child care worker, Explorer, Drama therapist

Take the quiz yourself!
http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/leonardo/thinker_quiz/index.shtml