Multiple-intelligence explained by Howard Gardner, comprises eight domains in learning and explaining human potential; linguistic, logical-mathematical, spatial, musical, bodily-kinesthetic, intrapersonal, interpersonal and naturalist intelligences are the domains. These proposed intelligences actually have a big impact on the standardized intelligence tests because of some criticisms.
Standardized intelligence tests are being criticized because some of these are not guided by theories on how the brain really works and it doesn’t have an accurate measure of what intelligence really is unlike the theory of Gardner which has eight domains on where a child really is proficient. Another issue in standardized intelligence tests is that these tests are used inconsistently in a wide variety. Different schools may use different tests on which these tests may consider only a limited assortment of a child’s ability which neglects a child’s strengths in other areas of intelligence such as their proficiency in music or in mathematics.
However, standardized intelligence tests also have strong points. Some intelligence tests such as the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children-Third Edition have been historically used as an interpreter of a child’s school achievement. Since this test offers same results when taken under different times, say few months apart, it can really provide significant information with regards to a child’s skill or ability and also in the learning of intellectually challenged or disabled children (Macheck, 2003-2007).
Although the multiple intelligence of Howard Gardner would create great measures of different fields of intelligence there are still no proper sets of tests in which we can determine the different intelligences. If proper tests would exist this theory of multiple intelligence would be very significant in testing a child’s ability or skills. Gardner’s theory of multiple-intelligence would be the most useful test in the sense of intelligence quotations.
References
Macheck, G. (2003-2007). The Role of Standardized Intelligence Measures in Testing for Giftedness [Electronic Version] from http://www.indiana.edu/~intell/giftednessTesting.shtml