A study of brain regions associated with Core Skills of Gardner's Logical-Mathematical Intelligence using Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (Case Study)

Logical-mathematical intelligence is one of the common needs of modern life to deal with various types of computational and problem-solving situations.

The aim of this study was to investigate the brain regions associated with the core skills of LMI (calculations, logical reasoning and game strategies) using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

This study used a cross- case design. From 28 male and female volunteers aged 18 years and over who visited the Brain Mapping Laboratory in 2020, one with very a high Logical-mathematical intelligence was selected through purposive sampling and using the Multiple Intelligence Developmental Assessment Scale (MIDAS). The tools used in this study were Computational Assignments, Chess and Logical Reasoning. FMRI was also utilized to examine the brain regions. Data were preprocessed and statistically analyzed in SPM-12.

The results demonstrated similar neural activation involved in computational skills, logical reasoning, and chess game in the frontal and parietal lobes. They also showed significant activity in the cerebellum, insula, cingulate gyrus, precuneus, pre-and post-central gyri, fusiform gyrus, and supramarginal gyrus in all three skills.

The results revealed that the neural activation patterns in each skill have unique neural bases, but have common patterns with other skills of Logical-mathematical intelligence. These common and unique patterns present a unique neural architecture in support of the Theory of Multiple Intelligences as a scientific model of human intelligence.