Multiple Intelligences Test

I feel that the Multiple Intelligences Test is only party beneficial. The number of questions is limited in order to properly reflect one's true learning style. Because there are many categories particular questions may weigh into the results. For example the question on pollution may be politically charged so that someone with Naturalistic intelligence may be politically inclined to minimize the threat of pollution. On the other hand, I consider myself an environmentalist and am quite angry about pollution as the question prompted. However, I do not infer from that that I have a particular skill in naturalistic areas.

I can see that my strengths seem somewhat diversified. What this tells me is that I should balance my learning and reach out to different areas of interest.

I hesitate to use a test such as this with my students. I would likely do so only after discussing its limitations in length and by finding some way to diversify the results- such as include multiple tests from various authors. I attempted to take the test a second time but realized that the questions were simply reordered. Because no new questions were given one cannot retake the quiz in hopes of increasing the data to substantiate the conclusions.

One concern I have about tests such as these for teenagers is that they will treat them as fatalistic, lending them more importance than they deserve. Personality tests and career interest tests seem to create this same dilemma. Can we really expect that answering 4 or 5 questions related to interests or abilities can offer a life long conclusion as to learning style or capability in a given area? No, but will teenagers understand that and take the quiz for what it is. We need to show them that it is simply an interesting exercise in self reflection and an opportunity to see approximately where their strengths might lie.