Spearman and Gardner Intelligence Spearman's Model of

Spearman and Gardner Intelligence Spearman's Model of Intelligence and Gardner's Multiple Intelligences theories have both played important roles in modern understanding of intelligence. At the same time, the theories are fundamentally very different. Spearman's model is based on an understanding of intelligence as a single, measurable variable 'g'. In contrast, Gardner sees intelligence as an amalgamation of as many as eight different forms of intelligence. Gardner's model allows for a more fluid understanding of intelligence that takes into consideration cultural differences, while Spearman's model is more rigid and innate.

The study of intelligence is notoriously difficult. In many ways, intelligence is an abstract concept that is composed of a number of different components. It is an internal, mental process that is not truly based in a concrete, objective reality. As such, Spearman and Gardner's attempts at understanding intelligence are both ultimately limited by the very nature of intelligence itself. Spearman's Model of Intelligence has been widely accepted and played an important role in shaping modern thought on intelligence. Charles Spearman first formulated his theories on general intelligence in 1904.

In his seminal work, he argued that there was a common element that acted as the basis of all other intelligences. This general intelligence is referred to as 'g', while more specific intelligences are described as 's'. In Spearman's two-factor analysis, individuals use 'g' in order to deal with different problems. Spearman's theory has its roots in the observation that certain individual school children tend to score well in a variety of different subjects, including French, mathematics, and the classics.

Thus, he began to consider that a single intelligence governed human intellect, allowing for the similarity in scores across a wide variety of subjects. Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences disagrees with Spearman's assertion that basic intelligence is a single factor that can be measured through intelligence tests. In contrast, Gardner argues that intelligence is an actually made up of several different abilities. Gardner argues that humans have eight separate intelligences: linguistic, musical, logical-mathematical, spatial, intrapersonal, interpersonal, bodily-kinesthetic, and natural (Harvard University).

Spearman argues that human success is defined by "g," while Gardner instead argues that individual abilities are formed from a blend of all eight intelligences. According to Gardner, people use a blend of some or all of the eight intelligences in their roles and tasks (Harvard University). Importantly, Gardner's theory allows for the cultural context of multiple intelligences, while Spearman's theory makes culture almost unimportant. According to Gardner, some intelligences are more important in specific cultures, such as personal intelligences importance in Japanese culture.

The general intelligence theory of Spearman appeals to the idea of intelligence as an innate ability that remains fairly constant throughout life. In contrast, the multiple intelligence theory of Gardner allows for a great deal more fluid understanding of intelligence, including the fact that intelligence can vary with age and situation. Spearman and Gardner's views on intelligence have very different implications for education. Spearman's view of intelligence as innate argues that intelligence is not much more than a predictor of.