Self-Evaluated Multiple Intelligences of Gifted Upper-Secondary-School Physics Students in Finland

Abstract

ABSTRACT This quantitative study examined self-perceptions of multiple intelligences among gifted physics-oriented Finnish upper-secondary students (N = 164). The specific focus was on gender differences in the self-evaluated intelligence profiles. The data were gathered via an online questionnaire based on Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences. The highest overall ratings were in environmental, spiritual, and logical-mathematical intelligences, and the lowest in linguistic intelligence. Several gender- and grade-level-related differences appeared. Males with similar grades as females in physics, mathematics, and English perceived their intelligence as higher in logical-mathematical and spatial areas. Females thought more positively of their linguistic and environmental intelligence. The findings give cause for concern about genuine gender equity in education in a country such as Finland with high overall equality.