How Are You Smart? PsychTests Research Emphasizes Importance Of Nurturing Different Forms Of Intelligence

Online, September 19, 2012 (Newswire.com) - PsychTests.com, a pioneer in online psychological assessments has released its newest study on multiple intelligences. Their research reveals that students who develop and strengthen different types of intelligence are more likely to excel in school.

Traditional definition of intelligence can be limiting in terms of explaining cognitive ability. Howard Gardner, pioneer of the theory of multiple intelligences, took a bold step when he broke away from classical views of IQ. "I say, pay one's respect to school and to IQ tests," he concluded, "but do not let them dictate one's judgment about an individual's worth or potential. In the end, what is important is an individual's actual achievements in the realms of work and personal life." Gardner believed that each individual has the potential to manifest varying levels of different intelligences, if the time and effort is taken to develop them - and the latest research by PsychTests reveals that it may be well worth the endeavor to do so.

Research conducted by PsychTests using their Multiple Intelligences & Learning Style Test indicates that students who perform in the top 5% excelled in six out of eight intelligence types, including Linguistic, Visual-Spatial, Musical (which tends to correlate very strongly with Visual-Spatial), Intrapersonal, and Naturalistic. The gap between top students and below average students was prominent in Logical-Mathematical intelligence, where the two groups were separated by a nine-point gap (76 vs. 67, on a scale from 0 to 100). Students with average grades excelled in Bodily-Kinesthetic intelligence.

PsychTests statistics also reveal that nearly half (44%) of top-performing students frequently used 4 or more intelligence types (scores of 85 or more), 26% have 5 or more, and 15% have 6 or more, compared to 29%, 15%, and 7% respectively for below average students. Interestingly, both below average and top students indicated that they learn best through hands-on learning, and are very visually-oriented. This begs the question: If they share this preferred style of learning, why the large gap in performance?

"Our research seems to indicate that top students are more likely to nurture more than one intelligence type, while below average students may be focusing only on those they are best at," theorizes Dr. Ilona Jerabek, president of PsychTests. "Top students will strive to turn their weaknesses into strengths, and will take advantage of opportunities to develop their intellectual capacities in many different ways."

And results of the PsychTests' study bear this theory out. For example, 48% of top students enjoy engaging in strategy games like chess, compared to 34% of below average students. 70% of top-performing students also read as a pastime. "Given the opportunity to develop different forms of intelligence, teachers, parents, and students themselves may be surprised at the amazing things that can be accomplished," concludes Dr. Jerabek.

PsychTests offers some tips to develop each of the intelligence types:

Maximizing Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence:

- Take a hands-on approach to new tasks rather than having things explained verbally.
- Take up a sport or any other physical activity (dance, acting, etc.) during leisure time.
- Power up your PC. Using computers and interactive programs can improve hand-eye coordination.

Maximizing Logical-Mathematical Intelligence:

- Play strategy games like chess or dominoes, or do brainteasers.
- When brainstorming, use techniques like Forced Relationships/Analogies.
- Categorize or organize your work and ideas using tables, charts, graphs, etc.

Maximizing Linguistic Intelligence:

- Do crossword puzzles or play word games online (like Scrabble ™, Text Twist ™, etc.).
- Make it a point to learn a new word every day.
- Talk yourself through a problem - it allows you to gain a greater perspective of it.

Maximizing Visual-Spatial Intelligence:

- Take up a sculpting, painting, photography, or graphics design class.
- Use visualization techniques when you need to motivate yourself to complete a goal (e.g. imagine how happy you'll be once the goal is achieved).
- When studying or memorizing, use flash cards or highlight the material you need to remember. These are good ways to pick up and ingest new knowledge.

Maximizing Musical Intelligence:

- Learn to play an instrument or take singing lessons.
- Study, brainstorm, or work with music in the background. Take breaks by listening to music.
- When memorizing material, organize the information in the form of a song or a limerick.

Maximizing Intrapersonal Intelligence:

- When tackling a project or task, find some time to brainstorm on your own. Take a walk, get some fresh air, etc.
- Relate new material you learn to real-life experiences. Take your time to ponder and process new information.
- Get to know yourself better. Figure out what motivates you, what are your strengths and weaknesses, ponder your values and beliefs, and find out which are your strong personality traits. A good place to start this journey inwards is to take some tests at http://testyourself.psychtests.com/.

Maximizing Interpersonal Intelligence:

- When tackling a project or task, try working with a partner or at least have someone to bounce ideas off of.
- Get actively involved in brainstorming sessions; problem-solve in groups.
- Attend courses or read up on how to improve your people skills.

Maximizing Naturalistic Intelligence:

- When learning new material, try classifying it into different categories.
- Get some fresh air or go for a hike to clear your head or to brainstorm new ideas.
- Take up bird-watching, whale-watching, rock-collecting, or gardening.

"The best way to start your exploration of the different intelligence types is to find out where you stand now, and what presents a challenge for you. The Multiple Intelligences & Learning Style Test will do just that, and will also provide tips and down-to-earth advice to get you started on your quest to better success in school, work, and your personal life," concludes Dr. Jerabek.

Individuals can take the Multiple Intelligences & Learning Style Test at http://testyourself.psychtests.com/testid/3103.

Professionals interested in using PsychTests' Assessment of Multiple Intelligences (AMI) or other tests can visit http://www.archprofile.com/corporate/index

About PsychTests AIM Inc:
PsychTests AIM Inc. originally appeared on the internet scene in 1996. Since its inception, it has become a pre-eminent provider of psychological assessment products and services to human resource personnel, therapists, academics, researchers and a host of other professionals around the world. PsychTests AIM Inc. staff is comprised of a dedicated team of psychologists, test developers, researchers, statisticians, writers, and artificial intelligence experts. The company's research division, Plumeus Inc., is supported in part by the Research and Development Tax Credit awarded by Industry Canada.

Contact:
Ilona Jerabek, Ph.D., President
PsychTests AIM Inc.
http://testyourself.psychtests.com/
1-888-855-6975
[email protected]