A study of the effects of visual/spatial and musical intelligences on sixth grade Ohio Proficiency Test (OPT) math scores (C. Branton Shearer, Howard Gardner)

The study examined whether musical and visual intelligences produced a positive correlation on the math portion of the OPT (Ohio Proficiency Test). Students in grade 7 were given the MIDAS-KIDS, a validated tool used to gather information regarding their individualized interest in musical ability (instrumental, appreciation, musicality, and vocal) and visual ability (artistic design, constructions, and imagery). This instrument also showed if their individual math scores may possibly be affected by how much of musical and visual interest they have. These students attended one of four elementary schools (three of which were traditional schools and one, multiple intelligence based).; It was found that students who had participated in instrumental exercises scored higher on the math OPT more than those who did not, thus musical intelligence (instrumental) had a positive effect on math OPT scores. It was also found the respondents who had interest in visual intelligence (artistic design) also had a positive effect on math OPT scores. Students who attended the MI based school showed a higher performance on the math OPT compared to students who attended the traditional schools. This suggests that the adoption of policy relating to the implementation of MI within school curriculum may be valuable and beneficial in the establishment of producing stronger academic skills and testing performance.