- Robert Sternberg's theory describes analytical intelligence (analysing and evaluating ideas), creative intelligence (generating new ideas and handling novelty) and practical intelligence (applying ideas effectively in everyday contexts).
- Practical intelligence is the 'street smarts' used to adapt to, shape and select real-world environments.
- Conventional IQ tests largely tap analytical ability, which Sternberg argued is only one third of the picture.
- It has been influential for broadening how psychologists think about intelligence and for inspiring augmented testing.
What are the three parts of the triarchic theory?
Robert Sternberg's theory describes analytical intelligence (analysing and evaluating ideas), creative intelligence (generating new ideas and handling novelty) and practical intelligence (applying ideas effectively in everyday contexts). He later framed their combination as 'successful intelligence'.
What is practical intelligence?
Practical intelligence is the 'street smarts' used to adapt to, shape and select real-world environments. Sternberg linked it to tacit knowledge β the unspoken know-how people pick up through experience rather than formal instruction.
How does it differ from standard IQ?
Conventional IQ tests largely tap analytical ability, which Sternberg argued is only one third of the picture. He contended that creative and practical abilities matter for real-world success but are usually left unmeasured.
How is the theory viewed?
It has been influential for broadening how psychologists think about intelligence and for inspiring augmented testing. Critics note that the components are hard to measure cleanly and that practical intelligence overlaps with general ability more than the theory implies.