Two Theories of Multiple Intelligence

A theory will never be proven, and is subject to change because new observations can be collected that do not support the original theory. In this case, Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligence is the original theory. Howard Gardner’s extensive research proved that there are seven types of intelligences, and it is possible that they work together while a person is solving something. Gardner’s theory is well supported and is used by many as a guide to learning, but that does not mean it is set in stone. His theory could change, and recently, Dan Willingham reviewed studies of learning styles and did not find evidence that supported learning styles. This would be a major shift in the theory, but Willingham is presenting a strong argument. He found that students liked a variety of way to learn because it isn’t boring, so students will learn more. He also stated that finding similarities instead of differences in learning style would be beneficial, which practically removes the idea of a learning style. This new argument has enough key points to be considered a new theory. Theories, like Gardner’s theory, can change when new evidence is brought up in the scientific community.