Triarchic theory of intelligence

If you tend to observe your friends, family members, or relatives, you may notice differences in the way they see, observe, perceive, or even do things. Individual differences are one of those interesting facets of humans. Many Psychologists and researchers have attributed Intelligence as one of the many factors that contribute to the differences among individuals.

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There have always been estimations and statistics in knowing the high IQ people in the world from Albert Einstein to Leonardo Da Vinci to Stephen Hawking; the curiosity and enthusiasm to learn and understand them has recently increased. There have been theories and conceptualizations made by many theorists and researchers around the world. Before we get to learn about the theories, we will understand firsthand the meaning of Intelligence.

What is Intelligence?

Intelligence is the capacity to uncover opportunities in every challenge and paint the canvas of life with strokes of innovation and abilities. According to the Oxford Learner Dictionary, Intelligence is the ability to learn, understand, and think logically about things; the ability to do this well. There are so many definitions of Intelligence. Of all, the one that is accepted globally is Weschler’s definition of Intelligence:

“Aggregate global capacity of an individual to think rationally, act purposefully, and deal effectively with the environment”.

To be able to understand Intelligence in a better way, we have many theories proposed by different researchers. A theory includes a formal set of ideas that is proposed to explain why something happens or exists.

Theories of Intelligence

There are so many theories of Intelligence which include:

• Spearman’s two-factor theory
• Thurstone’s Theory of Intelligence
• Guilford’s intellect theory
• Cattell’s theory
• Gardner’s theory of multiple Intelligence
• Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence
• PASS Theory of Intelligence
• Cross-cultural conceptions

Among the other theories of Intelligence is a theory proposed by Robert Jeffery Sternberg, an American Psychologist. We will discuss the various aspects of Sternberg’s theory of Intelligence in detail. Robert Jeffery Sternberg, a psychologist from Yale University, was born on December 8, 1949. He’s well-known for helping us understand intelligence better. He came up with the Triarchic Theory of Intelligence. According to him, intelligence is the ability to learn from experience, think well, remember important things, and handle everyday life. His ideas have helped us see intelligence more completely.

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Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

This theory stipulates that Intelligence is composed of three distinct and interrelated aspects which is why it is called a Triarchic theory. The three aspects include

• Componential or analytical Intelligence – book smart
• Experiential or Creative Intelligence
• Contextual or Practical Intelligence – street smart

1. Componential or Analytical Intelligence refers to the analysis of information to solve problems. It could be emphasized as the ability to break down the problem into components and analyse things for problem-solving. It is more of a traditional approach that relates to academic achievement. It is also called book smart. Example: Solving a complex mathematical problem- a student facing a problem in a mathematical problem, instead of solving it immediately, breaks it into smaller parts, identifies patterns, and applies a systematic approach, this way or approach is because of Analytical intelligence. Analytical intelligence has three components:

• Meta-component- the executive part that controls cognitive processing and performance
• Performance component- the one that involves performing a task or an activity
• Knowledge component- the one meant for the Acquisition of knowledge and ways used to acquire them

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2. Experiential or Creative Intelligence refers to the one that involves using past experiences creatively to solve novel or unique problems. This involves engaging in divergent thinking- creatively solving problems. Example: Creating a piece of art- X, when faced with unique problems on woodwork, relies on her years of hands-on experience, and navigates optimal approach and craft without instructions. This is what we call Creative Intelligence. Experiential Intelligence has two components:

• Automation- the one that requires not much attention, effort, or energy. This information processing is something that flows automatically.
• Novelty- unique or new processing which is much parallel to Automation. This involves coming up with new and novel ideas.

3. Contextual or Practical Intelligence refers to the intelligence that is intertwined with the individual’s environment. The ability to adapt to one’s environment, and shape the environment to the best fit of individual. This one involves the capability of an individual to use his or her ability to function efficiently in life. This one is called street smart. Example: Successfully managing a team- During arguments, Mr. M uses his Contextual or practical skills of communication style, and adjusting them with the cultural norm has gained her international clients concerning her business. The components of Contextual Intelligence include:

• Adaptation- making adjustments to the new environment
• Shaping – shaping one’s environment according to the needs and requirements
• Selection – completely change one’s older environment with the new effective one

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Why Triarchic Theory of Intelligence?

While most theories of intelligence focus on Intelligence upon just one aspect, the Triarchic theory measures or makes understanding based on componential (knowledge or ability), contextual (practical or situation-based), and creative aspects of an individual. This approach gave almost all the aspects of Intelligence and provided the most comprehensive approach to Intelligence.

Critical Implications of Triarchic Theory

• The theory lacks operational definition- lacks universal definitions.
• Lacks empirical shreds of evidence that support the triarchic components.
• The simple nature of the theory oversimplifies the aspects of intelligence.
• The theory lacks emphasis on potential cultural bias.

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Applications of Triarchic theory

Triarchic theory has found its application in various domains:

• Education: this would help teachers to design instructional approaches based on the cognitive needs of the students.
• Assessment: development of various tools and techniques based on analytical, creative, and contextual aspects of an individual which would help in providing a more comprehensive profile.
• Career Assessment: to assess the individual’s professional aspect and guide them through proper alignment.
• Research: this theory has led to many new theories and conceptualizations.
• Interventions: this theory has helped many therapists in formulating many strategies for coping with many cognitive challenges.

In conclusion, Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory illuminates intelligence through analytical, creative, and practical dimensions. Despite criticisms, it finds application in education, assessment, and therapeutic interventions.

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