1. P. G. T. D. of Education, RTMNU, Nagpur
Triarchic Theory of Intelligence
by Stenberg
By
Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
2. Intelligence
• Intelligence is a complex and multifaceted
concept that is difficult to define precisely.
• In general, intelligence refers to the ability to
learn, reason, problem-solve, understand
complex ideas, adapt to new situations, and
perform well in a variety of cognitive tasks.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
3. Cont…
• Intelligence is important because it has an impact
on many human behaviours.
• Intelligence is more strongly related than any
other individual difference variable to successful
educational, occupational, economic, and social
outcomes.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
4. Triarchic Theory of Intelligence by
Stenberg
• The Triarchic theory of intelligence was formulated by Robert J.
Sternberg, a well-known psychologist whose research often focuses
on human intelligence and creativity.
• This theory proposes that there are three distinct types of
intelligence, because it sees intelligence as comprised of three
parts- :
1. Practical (The ability to get along in different contexts)
2. Creative (The ability to come along with different ideas)
3. Analytical (The ability to evaluate information and solve
problems)
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
5. Cont…
• Sternberg proposed his theory in 1985 as an
alternative to the idea of the general intelligence
factor.
• The general intelligence factor, also known as g, is
what intelligence tests typically measure.
• It refers only to “academic intelligence.”
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
6. Cont…
• The triarchic theory is comprised of three sub-theories, each of
which relates to a specific kind of intelligence:
• The contextual sub-theory, which corresponds to practical
intelligence, or the ability to successfully function in one’s
environment
• The experiential sub-theory, which corresponds to creative
intelligence, or the ability to deal with novel situations or issues
• The componential sub-theory, which corresponds to analytical
intelligence, or the ability to solve problems.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
7. Triarchic Theory of Intelligence
Creative Intelligence
Imaginative and Innovative
Problem Solving
Practical Intelligence
Street Smarts and common
sense
Analytical Intelligence
Academic problem solving and
computation
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
8. Practical intelligence
• This refers to the ability to apply knowledge and skills
to real-world situations. It involves practical problem-
solving, street smarts, and common sense.
• As proposed by Sternberg, is sometimes compared to
“street smarts.”
• Being practical means you find solutions that work in
your everyday life by applying knowledge based on
your experiences.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
9. Practical intelligence
• This type of intelligence appears to be separate from
traditional understanding of IQ.
• Individuals who score high in practical intelligence may
or may not have comparable scores in creative and
analytical intelligence.
• Practical intelligence examples can include:
– Interpersonal negotiation skills
– ''Street smarts'' or practical problem-solving
– Ability to juggle various tasks with good time
management
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
10. Analytical intelligence
• This refers to the ability to analyze, evaluate, and solve problems. It
involves abstract reasoning, logical thinking, and the ability to detect
patterns and relationships.
• It is closely aligned with academic problem solving and computations.
• Sternberg says that analytical intelligence is demonstrated by an ability to
analyze, evaluate, judge, compare, and contrast.
• When reading a classic novel for literature class, for example, it is usually
necessary to compare the motives of the main characters of the book or
analyze the historical context of the story.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
11. Analytical intelligence
• In a science course such as anatomy, you must study the processes
by which the body uses various minerals in different human
systems.
• In developing an understanding of this topic, you are using
analytical intelligence.
• When solving a challenging math problem, you would apply
analytical intelligence to analyze different aspects of the problem
and then solve it section by section.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
12. Creative intelligence
• This refers to the ability to come up with new ideas and generate
original solutions to problems.
• It involves divergent thinking, the ability to think outside the box,
and creativity in problem-solving.
• It is marked by inventing or imagining a solution to a problem or
situation.
• Creativity in this realm can include finding a novel solution to an
unexpected problem or producing a beautiful work of art or a well-
developed short story.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
13. Creative intelligence
• Creative intelligence examples include:
– Ability to solve logical problems using a variety of
different approaches
– Synthesizing existing knowledge to make new
connections
– Looking at things in new ways to figure out how
they work
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
14. Cont…
• Sternberg proposed that all three components of intelligence
are equally important and that a person's overall intelligence
is a combination of these three components.
• He also emphasized the importance of context in determining
which type of intelligence is most useful in a given situation.
• For example, analytical intelligence may be most important
for academic pursuits, while practical intelligence may be
more important in everyday life.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
15. Educational implication of Triarchic
Theory of Intelligence
• The triarchic theory holds that students should be
instructed in a way that helps them both capitalize on their
strengths and correct and compensate for weaknesses.
• Thus, ideally, students will be taught in all three ways
(analytically, creatively, practically), as well as for memory.
• This theory of Intelligence can be applied in the classroom
to help each student learn to their highest potential.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
16. Cont…
• One way to do this is by assigning many different
types of problems for homework and tests.
• For the analytical students, the problems with
straightforward answers, uses of formulas, and
the direction clearly stated.
• The problems that can be solved in many
different ways can benefit the creative
intelligence.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat
17. Cont…
• With math problems, there are usually many different ways to
answer a question.
• Asking questions without specific directions can leave the problem
more open for creative ways to solve them.
• Real world examples and word problems can help the practical
intelligence.
• Giving situations with a problem and using group work can allow
these students to use their practical intelligence and learn more.
Presented by Dr. Jayshree A. Bhagat