Multiple intelligences in students from vulnerable socioeconomic contexts. Inteligencias múltiples en estudiantes de contextos vulnerables socioeconómicos

Abstract

Howard Gardner proposes in his theory of multiple intelligences that intelligence is not confined to a single entity, but is made up of eight interrelated intelligences in each individual, which allows them to face the challenges of their environment more efficiently. However, due to genetic and contextual factors, it is likely that some of these intelligences are more developed than others in each individual. In this context, the question arose as to whether there are differences in multiple intelligences between students from low socioeconomic strata. To answer this question, a cross-sectional, non-experimental, correlational research design with a quantitative approach was used, with a probabilistic multi-stage conglomerate sample made up of 868 students from public schools in the city of Cúcuta, belonging to the fifth grade of basic primary education. The average age of the participants was 11.13 years, with a standard deviation of 1,269 years. The instrument used consisted of two sections: the first collected sociodemographic
information, while the second consisted of questions from the multiple intelligence questionnaire, adapted from McKenzie. Analyzes performed using correlation tests and multiple correspondence analysis yielded significant results. High levels of interpersonal, linguistic and intrapersonal intelligence were observed in the students. In addition, a closeness was found between socioeconomic strata 1 and 2, and low and medium levels of interpersonal intelligence. Socioeconomic stratum 3 showed associations with high levels of linguistic, naturalistic, spatial, and musical intelligence. On the other hand, socioeconomic stratum 4 presented a relationship with average levels of naturalistic intelligence and low average levels of kinesthetic and logical-mathematical intelligence. These findings highlight the possible influence that the socioeconomic context can have on the development and manifestation of multiple intelligences in students