What does 'interpersonal intelligence' in Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences mean?

What does 'interpersonal intelligence' in Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences mean? Correct Answer Ability to detect and respond appropriately to the moods, temperaments, motivations and intentions of others.

Howard Gardner proposed a theory of multiple intelligence. Gardner defines intelligence as "a biopsychological potential to process information that can be activated in a cultural setting to solve problems or create products that are of value in a culture.

Key PointsAccording to Gardner's theory of multiple intelligence, intelligence is of eight types. All the eight types of intelligence belong from different aspects but are interrelated to each other.

• Inter-personal intelligence is one of the eight intelligence proposed by Gardner.

 Interpersonal Intelligence refers to the ability to understand others and social interactions. They can understand the temperaments, intentions, emotions, and perspectives of others and relate well to others. They can establish good interpersonal relationships with others. They have good and effective communication skills. 

Thus by all these references, we can consider that,' interpersonal intelligence' in Howard Gardner's theory of Multiple Intelligences means the Ability to detect and respond appropriately to the moods, temperaments, motivations, and intentions of others.

Important PointsOther intelligence proposed by Gardner are:

• Linguistic Intelligence refers to the ability to use language. It is the capacity to use spoken and written words in a skilled way. Individuals with high verbal/linguistic intelligence are very good at using words and language to express themselves, articulate things, and create. 
• Logical-mathematical intelligence is the ability to use logical reasoning and mathematical ability. Individuals high in this intelligence have good abstract reasoning, critical thinking, and good in dealing with numbers. This type of intelligence correlates well with the traditional notion of intelligence. Scientists, engineers, physicists, and economists are people with high logical-mathematical intelligence. 
• Musical Intelligence is the ability to use rhythms, sounds, and patterns to create, compose and perform music. It involves sensitivity to music, and the ability to recognize and manipulate musical patterns. People with high musical intelligence are likely to be singers.
• Bodily-kinesthetic intelligence is the ability to use and control one’s body movements and actions. Dancers and sports persons are usually high in such intelligence.
• Spatial Intelligence is the capacity to perceive, understand and use spatial and visual information effectively. Such people are good at spatial orientation, forming visual images and patterns. 
• Intrapersonal Intelligence is the ability to understand oneself and know one’s thoughts, emotions, feelings, motives, and desires, and how these influence their behavior. 
• Naturalistic Intelligence is the ability to recognize and understand the various patterns in nature. It includes sensitivity to nature with all its features including flora, fauna, and biodiversity. Gardner has added this eighth type of intelligence to his original seven bits of intelligence.