Multiple intelligences and academic performance among Malaysian undergraduate dental students

• Main Authors: Ahmad, R., Abu Kasim, N.H., Palaniappan, A.K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: 2006
• Subjects: R Medicine; RK Dentistry
• Online Access: http://eprints.um.edu.my/2596/1/Multiple_Intelligences_and_Academic_Performance_among_Malaysian_Undergraduate_Dental_Students.pdf; http://eprints.um.edu.my/2596/; http://iadr.confex.com/iadr/2006Brisb/preliminaryprogram/abstract_78531.htm

Objectives: To identify the nature of multiple intelligences among dental students and investigate the relationship between these intelligences and performance in the various skill areas of dentistry. Methods: Sixty-one final year dental students at the Faculty of Dentistry, University of Malaya in Malaysia were administered a Multiple Intelligence Inventory (MII), David Larear, 1991) after their final written examinations. MII comprised 80 4-point likert items assessing eight types of multiple intelligences: Verbal/Linguistic, Visual Spatial, Logical Mathematical, Musical Rhythmic, Intra Personal, Body Kinesthetic, Inter Personal and Naturalist. These intelligences were correlated with six academic performance scores: Amalgam Class II, Composite, Crown & Bridge, Endodontic, Problem Based Learning and the Final Written Exam. The data were analysed by Pearson Product Moment Correlation and t-test. Results: Significant correlations were found between Intrapersonal intelligence and Composite (r = .32; p < .05) and between Body Kinesthetic and Composite scores (r = .26; p < .05). High Amalgam Class II scorers obtained significantly higher scores on Intrapersonal Intelligence than low scorers (t = 2.49; p < .05). High Composite scorers have significantly higher Body Kinesthetic intelligence than low scorers (t = .29; p < .05). Low endodontic scorers obtained significantly higher scores on Visual Spatial intelligence than high scorers (t = 2.06; p < .05). High PBL scorers obtained significantly higher Interpersonal (t = 2.06; p < .05) and Naturalist Intelligence (t = 3.57; p < .05) than low scorers. Conclusions: There appears to be no significant correlations between the various types of multiple intelligences and achievement in dentistry except for the correlations between Composite scores and Intrapersonal and Body Kinesthetic Intelligence. Generally, there were no significant multiple intelligence differences among high and low performers.