According to Howard Gardner (1995) there are seven myths about multiple intelligences.
MYTH 1. Now that seven intelligences have been identified, one can--
and perhaps should--create seven tests and secure seven
scores.
MYTH 2. An intelligence is the same as a domain or discipline.
MYTH 3. An intelligence is the same as a "learning style", a
"cognitive style", or a "working style".
MYTH 4. MI theory is not empirical. (A variant of Myth 4 alleges
that MI theory is empirical but has been disproved.)
MYTH 5. MI theory is incompatible with general intelligence,
with hereditarian accounts, or with environment
accounts of the nature and cause of intelligence.
MYTH 6. MI theory so broadens the notion of intelligence that it
includes all psychological constructs and thus vitiates the
usefulness, as well as the usual connotation, of the term.
MYTH 7. There is an eighth (or ninth or tenth) intelligence. (?)
Conclusions
In conclusion, "the MI {Multiple Intelligences} endeavor is a continuing and changing one (Gardner, 1995). Over the years there has been an emergence of new thoughts, understandings, and misunderstandings about the theory. One thing that will not change is that "Practice is enriched by theory, even as theory is transformed in the light of the fruits and frustrations of practice" (Gardner, 1995). The theory of multiple intelligences will be an ongoing endeavor, In my opinion, no one will really understand the gifts of certain intelligences. Researchers will probably be studying this topic well into the next centuries. Teachers, parents, and educators alike, not only should learn about the characteristics of multiple intelligences but also take the information that has been researched on multiple intelligences and apply it to the classroom and the home. Teaching toward the multiple intelligences will become an enlightening experience.
