Critiques of Multiple Intelligence Theory:
Criticisms and Benefits
The following claims have been made pertaining to the MI theory—
Criticisms
Fundamentally ambiguous:
Klein stated that MI makes "three paradoxical claims": (1) There are several relatively independent, coherent, content-specific cognitive modules called intelligences. (2) These intelligences interact, operating on one another’s contents. (3) Each intelligence consists of subintelligences that can operate independently. When taken together, MI generates ambiguity because one does not know whether to expect that the intelligences will act independently or interactively, nor whether the subintelligences of any intelligence will act coherently or independently. Which leads to the next criticism:Unfalsifiable:
Klein further points out that this ambiguity makes it difficult, if not impossible, to either prove or disprove MI theory. The point is that MI can be reconciled after the fact to almost any imaginable phenomenon.Lacks empirical support:
Some psychologists, like George Miller, say that MI theory essentially boils down into nothing more than "hunch and opinion."Contradicts some available evidence:
There is sufficient evidence to suggest that the seven (eight) areas of human performance described in the MI theory as intelligence, are more realistically cognitive styles. (Morgan)No way to assess multiple intelligences:
Numerous studies have addressed this issue, but there is not yet a way to measure or assess many of the intelligences within the MI theory. Further, some of the proposed assessments are very expensive and difficult to design. (Klein, Granat)"The danger is that it (MI theory) leads to wasted time, to an emphasis on less important skills and to a false sense that learning has taken place when it has not." (Collins)
Critiques of Multiple Intelligence Theory:
Criticisms and Benefits
Benefits
"Teaching to multiple intelligences helps me present materials in interesting ways and it lends itself to authentic assessments."
"I am surprised to see that I become a better teacher each year as I vary my strategies. By expanding my teaching and assessment strategies, I have energized both my students and myself. Gardner’s approach has put the magic back in my teaching." (Emig)
"When children are given the opportunity to use their stronger intelligences and when they have fun doing so, they become much more engaged in the learning process. Thus, we all learn from one another." (Meyer)
"Howard Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences enables us to discuss positive strengths in all children and to plan appropriate learning strategies for a more effective classroom environment." (Reiff)
"I think Gardner’s work has helped me refine the way I look at children. It has given me more depth as a professional in working with them. It has helped me see more areas of potential. Although I have always tried to work from a child’s strengths, it has given me more insight into intelligences, such as intrapersonal, that I might not have looked at in that way before." (La Farge)
In Howard Gardner’s words, the benefits of MI:
"The testimonials and figures are numerous enough from lots of different places to suggest it’s worth taking seriously." There is a lot of anecdotal evidence in support of MI, but no formal studies. At the very least, many believe that MI theory merits further investigation and large-scale research. (Collins)