Estimates of Ten Multiple Intelligences: Sex and National Differences in the Perception of Oneself and Famous People

Abstract

A total of 253 British (151 females and 102 males) and 318 American (178 females and 140 males) students (mean age 22.12 yrs) were asked to make various estimates of overall intelligence as well as H. Gardner's (1999a) new list of 10 multiple intelligences. They made these estimations or themselves, their partner, and for various well-known figures. Following previous research there were various sex and nationality differences in self-estimated IQ: Males rated themselves higher on verbal, logical, spatial, and spiritual IQ compared to females. Females rated their male partner as having lower verbal and spiritual, but higher spatial IQ than was the case when males rated their female partners. Participants considered Bill Clinton (2 points) and Prince Charles (5 points) less intelligent than themselves, but Tony Blair (5 points) and Bill Gates (15 points) more intelligent than themselves. Multiple regressions indicated that the best predictors of one's overall IQ estimates were logical, verbal, existential, and spatial IQ. Factor analysis of the 10 and then 8 self-estimated scores did not confirm Gardner's classification of multiple intelligences. Results are discussed in terms of the growing literature in the self-estimates of intelligence, as well as limitations of that approach.

Department(s)

Psychological Science

Document Type

Article - Journal

Document Version

Citation

File Type

text

Language(s)

English

Rights

© 2002 American Psychological Association (APA), All rights reserved.

Publication Date

01 Dec 2002

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