What Kind of Intelligence Do You Have?

Are you an outdoorsy type, or do you fancy yourself more of an artiste? Maybe you’re a wordsmith, or someone who sees the world in numbers and logic.

According to Harvard psychologist Howard Gardner, there are 8 distinct types of intelligence, a framework that has held sway in the world of developmental psychology for decades.

The Intelligence Type Test

Do you truly know yourself? Our free and fast quiz can help you determine what your intelligence style might be based on how you think, the kind of things you like to do, and areas where you tend to shine brightest.

Who Is This Intelligence Types Test For?

This quiz is not meant to tell you whether or not you are smart by the standards of traditional intelligence testing. Nor is it meant to tell you your learning style. Rather, this quiz is specific to Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences, and is more of a reflection of your unique abilities, strengths, and interests.

WIth that in mind, this quiz is for everyone! We all have strengths and weaknesses in different areas. Sometimes, those may conform more closely to traditional ideas of intelligence, but one of the tenets of this framework is that those traditional ideas are too limiting, too reductive, and often biased.

About Multiple Intelligences

The multiple intelligences theory was introduced by Howard Gardner in 1983 in his book Frames of Mind and refined over the years.

His theories initiated a number of attempts to improve schools around the country, and he promoted many efforts to better understand diverse populations in a way that IQ testing could not.

What This Quiz Actually Says About You

Remember, this quiz is for entertainment purposes only. Also, it’s important to note that many of us have strengths across a wide variety of intelligences. While you may lean more toward verbal-linguistic or interpersonal, it’s certainly possible to have an affinity for the outdoors or for music.

So, no, a result of logical-mathematical doesn’t mean you are a math nerd and nothing else! You likely have interests and strengths that point to a variety of intelligences. This quiz merely provides a different way to think about yourself that you may never have before. After all, a little self-reflection never hurts.

How to Act on Your Quiz Results

Let’s face it, you already know your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of greatest interest far better than we can ever know. Our suggestion, then, is to think about your intelligence type as a loose guideline.

If you’re looking to change some habits or learn a new skill, maybe your intelligence type can provide an entry point that will make it easier for you to get started. For example:

• If you have naturalistic intelligence and want to exercise more, think about the different ways that getting outside can help you get in shape.
• If you lean toward interpersonal intelligence and want to learn a new language, it might be best to learn in a group or class setting.
• If you are a logical-mathematical person who wants to get a better hold of your personal finances, put together a neatly organized budgeting chart to get started.

We should always strive to try new things, but it certainly doesn’t hurt to try new things that you are pretty sure you will enjoy based on everything you know about yourself, including your intelligence type. And if you’re looking for an entirely new experience, seek out something fun that touches on one of the types you are typically less drawn to—you might just surprise yourself with what you can do.