Type of Intelligence assessment based on Howard Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence Theory – Transform how you learn, work, and succeed by understanding your unique cognitive profile and intelligence type.
Understanding Your Type of Intelligence: Beyond Traditional IQ
For decades, society has measured intelligence through a single lens – traditional IQ tests that focus primarily on logical and linguistic abilities. But what if your type of intelligence is far more complex and diverse than we’ve been taught?
Dr. Howard Gardner’s groundbreaking Multiple Intelligence Theory revolutionized our understanding of human intelligence by identifying eight distinct types of intelligence that exist within each person. This comprehensive assessment will help you discover your dominant type of intelligence and understand how to leverage it for maximum success in every area of your life.
Why Discovering Your Type of Intelligence Matters:
• 73% of people feel they’re not reaching their full potential because they’re trying to succeed using methods that don’t align with their natural intelligence strengths • Students who learn according to their type of intelligence show 40% better academic performance • Professionals who work in roles matching their intelligence profile report 65% higher job satisfaction • Relationships improve dramatically when people understand and appreciate different intelligence types
The Science Behind Multiple Type of Intelligence Theory
Dr. Gardner’s research identified eight distinct intelligences, each representing a different type of intelligence with its own unique characteristics, strengths, and optimal learning methods:
- Logical-Mathematical Intelligence – Number and reasoning smart
- Linguistic Intelligence – Word smart
- Spatial Intelligence – Picture smart
- Musical Intelligence – Music smart
- Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence – Body smart
- Interpersonal Intelligence – People smart
- Intrapersonal Intelligence – Self smart
- Naturalistic Intelligence – Nature smart
Important: Everyone possesses all eight types of intelligence, but in different combinations and strengths. Your type of intelligence profile is unique to you, and understanding it can transform your approach to learning, working, and living.
The Complete Multiple Type of Intelligence Assessment
Instructions: For each statement, rate how well it describes you using this scale: • 4 = Strongly Agree (This is definitely me) • 3 = Agree (This is mostly me) • 2 = Somewhat Agree (This is sometimes me) • 1 = Disagree (This is rarely me) • 0 = Strongly Disagree (This is never me)
Be honest and think about your natural preferences and abilities, not what you think you should be good at.
Section 1: Logical-Mathematical Intelligence
- I enjoy solving math problems and logical puzzles in my free time.
- I can easily see patterns and relationships in numbers and data.
- I like to analyze problems step-by-step and find systematic solutions.
- I’m good at estimating quantities, distances, and proportions.
- I enjoy strategy games like chess, sudoku, or complex board games.
- I often think in terms of cause and effect relationships.
- I’m comfortable working with abstract concepts and theories.
- I like to categorize and organize information into logical systems.
- I’m drawn to scientific experiments and research methodologies.
- I can quickly spot logical inconsistencies in arguments or reasoning.
Logical-Mathematical Total: ___/40
Section 2: Linguistic Intelligence
- I have a large vocabulary and enjoy learning new words.
- I’m good at explaining complex ideas in simple terms.
- I enjoy reading books, articles, and written materials for pleasure.
- I can easily remember quotes, poems, or written passages.
- I’m comfortable writing emails, reports, or creative pieces.
- I enjoy word games, crosswords, and language puzzles.
- I’m good at telling stories and engaging others through narrative.
- I often think in words rather than pictures or images.
- I enjoy debating and can argue different sides of an issue effectively.
- I’m sensitive to the rhythm and sound of language.
Linguistic Total: ___/40
Section 3: Spatial Intelligence
- I have a good sense of direction and rarely get lost.
- I can easily visualize objects from different angles in my mind.
- I’m good at reading maps, charts, and diagrams.
- I enjoy drawing, painting, or other visual arts.
- I can picture how things will look before I create or build them.
- I’m good at interior design and arranging spaces attractively.
- I prefer information presented in graphs, charts, or visual formats.
- I can easily assemble things without detailed written instructions.
- I notice visual details that others often miss.
- I enjoy photography and have a good eye for composition.
Spatial Total: ___/40
Section 4: Musical Intelligence
- I can easily remember melodies and recognize musical patterns.
- I’m sensitive to rhythm and can keep time naturally.
- I enjoy singing, humming, or making music even when alone.
- I can tell when music is off-key or when instruments are out of tune.
- I often have songs playing in my head throughout the day.
- I’m drawn to musical instruments and can learn them relatively easily.
- I use rhythm or melody to help me remember information.
- I’m emotionally affected by music and can feel its mood deeply.
- I can distinguish between different musical styles and genres.
- I often tap, drum, or move rhythmically without realizing it.
Musical Total: ___/40
Section 5: Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence
- I learn best when I can move around and use my hands.
- I’m good at sports, dancing, or physical activities.
- I have excellent hand-eye coordination and fine motor skills.
- I can’t sit still for long periods and need to move to think clearly.
- I’m good at crafts, building things, or working with my hands.
- I can mimic physical movements and gestures easily.
- I express myself through physical movement and body language.
- I’m aware of my body position and can control my movements precisely.
- I prefer to touch and manipulate objects to understand them.
- I often use gestures and hand movements when I speak.
Bodily-Kinesthetic Total: ___/40
Section 6: Interpersonal Intelligence
- I’m good at reading people’s emotions and nonverbal cues.
- I enjoy working in groups and collaborating with others.
- I’m often the one people come to for advice or to talk through problems.
- I can easily adapt my communication style to different people.
- I’m good at mediating conflicts and finding win-win solutions.
- I have a wide circle of friends and acquaintances.
- I’m comfortable leading groups and motivating others.
- I can sense the group dynamics and mood in social situations.
- I enjoy teaching or explaining things to others.
- I’m energized by social interactions and being around people.
Interpersonal Total: ___/40
Section 7: Intrapersonal Intelligence
- I have a clear understanding of my own emotions and motivations.
- I enjoy spending time alone for reflection and self-analysis.
- I’m good at setting personal goals and working independently toward them.
- I have strong personal values and principles that guide my decisions.
- I’m aware of my strengths and weaknesses and work to improve them.
- I prefer to work alone rather than in groups when possible.
- I keep a journal or regularly reflect on my thoughts and experiences.
- I’m good at managing my time and organizing my personal life.
- I have a strong sense of self and am comfortable being different.
- I’m motivated by internal satisfaction rather than external rewards.
Intrapersonal Total: ___/40
Section 8: Naturalistic Intelligence
- I’m good at recognizing and categorizing plants, animals, and natural phenomena.
- I enjoy spending time outdoors in nature.
- I’m concerned about environmental issues and conservation.
- I can easily spot patterns and changes in natural environments.
- I’m good at gardening or caring for plants and animals.
- I notice weather patterns and seasonal changes.
- I enjoy collecting natural objects like rocks, shells, or leaves.
- I’m drawn to nature documentaries and outdoor activities.
- I can distinguish between similar species or natural objects.
- I feel more relaxed and centered when I’m in natural settings.
Naturalistic Total: ___/40
Calculate Your Type of Intelligence Profile
Step 1: Add up your scores for each intelligence type (maximum 40 points each). Step 2: Identify your top 3 intelligence types (highest scores). Step 3: Calculate percentages: (Your Score ÷ 40) × 100
Intelligence Profile Interpretation:
• 35-40 points (87-100%): Dominant intelligence – This is your superpower • 28-34 points (70-86%): Strong intelligence – You excel in this area • 21-27 points (52-69%): Moderate intelligence – You have good abilities here • 14-20 points (35-51%): Developing intelligence – Room for growth • 0-13 points (0-34%): Emerging intelligence – Not your primary strength
Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: The Analytical Mind
If this is your dominant type of intelligence, you are:
Your Superpowers: • Exceptional at pattern recognition and logical reasoning • Excel at problem-solving and strategic thinking • Comfortable with abstract concepts and theoretical frameworks • Natural ability to see cause-and-effect relationships • Strong analytical and critical thinking skills • Excellent at organizing and categorizing information • Drawn to research, data analysis, and systematic approaches
Your Learning Style: • Learn best through logical sequences and step-by-step processes • Enjoy experiments, demonstrations, and hands-on problem solving • Prefer structured environments with clear objectives • Respond well to charts, graphs, and data visualizations • Need to understand the “why” behind information • Benefit from opportunities to analyze and categorize
Optimal Careers: • Scientist, researcher, mathematician • Engineer, programmer, data analyst • Financial analyst, accountant, economist • Lawyer, judge, policy analyst • Medical researcher, laboratory technician • Systems analyst, operations researcher
Linguistic Intelligence: The Wordsmith
If this type of intelligence dominates your profile, you are:
Your Superpowers: • Exceptional vocabulary and language skills • Excel at written and verbal communication • Natural storytelling and narrative abilities • Strong memory for written and spoken information • Sensitive to language patterns, rhythm, and meaning • Excellent at explaining complex ideas simply • Drawn to reading, writing, and language-based activities
Your Learning Style: • Learn best through reading, writing, and discussion • Enjoy lectures, audiobooks, and verbal explanations • Benefit from taking notes and writing summaries • Respond well to word games and language puzzles • Need to verbalize information to understand it fully • Prefer text-based materials and written instructions
Spatial Intelligence: The Visual Thinker
If this represents your primary type of intelligence, you are:
Your Superpowers: • Exceptional visual and spatial awareness • Excel at creating and interpreting visual information • Natural ability to visualize objects in 3D space • Strong sense of direction and spatial relationships • Excellent at design, art, and creative visualization • Good at reading maps, charts, and diagrams • Drawn to visual arts, architecture, and design
Mixed Type of Intelligence Profiles: Understanding Your Unique Combination
Most people have 2-3 dominant types of intelligence that work together to create their unique cognitive profile. Here are some common combinations:
The Creative Communicator (Linguistic + Spatial)
• Excellent at visual storytelling, graphic design with text • Perfect for: Journalism, advertising, web design, publishing • Strengths: Can explain complex visual concepts, create compelling presentations
The Analytical Leader (Logical-Mathematical + Interpersonal)
• Excellent at data-driven decision making in team settings • Perfect for: Management consulting, project management, business analysis • Strengths: Can translate complex data into actionable team strategies
Practical Applications of Your Type of Intelligence Profile
For Students:
Study Strategies by Type of Intelligence: • Logical-Mathematical: Use outlines, create formulas, make charts • Linguistic: Take detailed notes, discuss with others, write summaries • Spatial: Use mind maps, diagrams, create visual aids • Musical: Study with music, create songs for facts, use rhythm • Bodily-Kinesthetic: Take study breaks, use manipulatives, walk while studying • Interpersonal: Form study groups, teach others, discuss concepts • Intrapersonal: Study alone, connect to personal experience, set individual goals • Naturalistic: Study outdoors, use natural examples, categorize information
For Professionals:
Career Development by Type of Intelligence: • Identify roles that leverage your dominant types of intelligence • Seek projects that allow you to use your strongest abilities • Develop skills in your secondary intelligence areas • Communicate your strengths to supervisors and colleagues • Find mentors who share your type of intelligence profile • Create work environments that support your learning style
Developing Your Non-Dominant Types of Intelligence
While it’s important to leverage your strengths, developing your other types of intelligence can: • Improve your overall cognitive flexibility • Enhance your ability to work with diverse people • Open up new career and learning opportunities • Provide backup skills when your dominant type of intelligence isn’t enough
Strategies for Development:
To Develop Logical-Mathematical Intelligence: • Practice puzzles, brain teasers, and strategy games • Learn basic statistics and data analysis • Practice organizing information into categories • Take courses in science, math, or logic
To Develop Linguistic Intelligence: • Read diverse materials regularly • Practice writing in different formats • Join discussion groups or debate teams • Learn a new language
Type of Intelligence and Technology
In our digital age, understanding how different types of intelligence interact with technology is crucial:
Logical-Mathematical + Technology: • Excel at programming, data analysis, and systematic problem-solving • Drawn to apps and tools that organize and analyze information • Prefer technology that follows logical patterns and rules
Linguistic + Technology: • Excel at content creation, digital communication, and online writing • Drawn to social media, blogs, and text-based applications • Prefer technology that enhances communication and expression
Common Myths About Types of Intelligence
Myth 1: “Some types of intelligence are more valuable than others” Truth: All types of intelligence have equal value and importance in society
Myth 2: “You can only be good at one type of intelligence” Truth: Most people have multiple intelligence strengths that work together
Myth 3: “Types of intelligence are fixed and cannot be developed” Truth: While you have natural strengths, all types of intelligence can be developed
The Future of Type of Intelligence Assessment
As our understanding of human intelligence continues to evolve, new research is revealing:
Emerging Intelligence Areas:
• Digital Intelligence: Ability to effectively use and understand technology • Existential Intelligence: Capacity to contemplate deep philosophical questions • Emotional Intelligence: Ability to recognize and manage emotions • Creative Intelligence: Capacity for innovation and original thinking
Conclusion: Embracing Your Unique Type of Intelligence Profile
Your type of intelligence profile is not a limitation—it’s a roadmap to your greatest potential. By understanding your dominant types of intelligence, you can:
Optimize Your Learning:
• Choose study methods that align with your natural type of intelligence strengths • Develop strategies for areas where you need more support • Create environments that enhance your cognitive abilities
Advance Your Career:
• Pursue roles that leverage your type of intelligence strengths • Communicate your unique value to employers and colleagues • Develop skills that complement your natural abilities
Improve Your Relationships:
• Understand and appreciate others’ different types of intelligence • Communicate in ways that resonate with different cognitive styles • Build teams that leverage diverse intelligence strengths
Remember: There is no single “best” type of intelligence. Each has unique strengths, contributions, and ways of understanding the world. The key is to identify your type of intelligence profile, leverage your strengths, and create a life that honors your unique cognitive gifts.
Your type of intelligence profile is as unique as your fingerprint. Embrace it, develop it, and use it to create the success and fulfillment that’s uniquely yours.
Related Resources:
- Multiple Intelligence Theory Research (Howard Gardner’s Harvard page)
- Educational Psychology Studies (American Psychological Association)
- Learning Styles Assessment Tools (Additional assessment resources)
Take this type of intelligence assessment periodically as you grow and develop—your intelligence profile may evolve as you gain new experiences and develop new skills.
