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Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

Written by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโ€ขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โ€ข Last updated September 2025

Definition

Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence is a theory that suggests intelligence is comprised of three components: analytical intelligence (problem-solving abilities), creative intelligence (ability to think outside the box and generate new ideas), and practical intelligence (street smarts and common sense). It criticizes traditional IQ tests because they primarily focus on analytical intelligence and fail to capture the other two components.

Theoretical Perspectives

Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence posits that intelligence comprises three interrelated components: analytical, creative, and practical abilities. It emphasizes the adaptability of intelligence across different contexts.

Study And Research Findings

Robert Sternberg formulated the theory in the 1980s, proposing that traditional IQ tests often overlook creative and practical aspects of intelligence. Subsequent research has sought to validate the theory through various cognitive assessments and real-world performance measures.

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