Spatial-temporal intelligence: Original thinking processes of gifted inventors

This psychological phenomenological research analyzed the cognition of gifted inventors and proposes a theory on original, creative thinking. Spatial intelligence is reviewed. Results provide 7 findings, including cognitive, motivational, affective, and psychokinesthetic factors. A key assumption that space-time cannot be separated supports a redefinition and renaming of spatial intelligence to spatial-temporal intelligence. Spatial-temporal intelligence is theorized as an abstract mode of cognition, combining intuitive and rational modes of logic. Cognitive imagery and dialog ale described as reasoning tools in multidimensional and multidirectional space-time. Implications for educational practice suggest that spatial-temporal intelligence is complementary to linguistic-mathematical modes of thinking.