- Both Robert Sternberg and Howard Gardner rejected the idea that intelligence is a single, IQ-style ability and argued for a broader view.
- Sternberg's triarchic theory proposes three processing-based aspects — analytical, creative and practical intelligence — that work together.
- Both face the criticism of limited validated measurement, though Sternberg has developed assessments to test his model.
- Neither has replaced the hierarchical, g-based models like CHC that underpin mainstream testing.
What do the two theories share?
Both Robert Sternberg and Howard Gardner rejected the idea that intelligence is a single, IQ-style ability and argued for a broader view. Each emphasised abilities that traditional tests tend to overlook and gained strong influence in education.
How are they structured differently?
Sternberg's triarchic theory proposes three processing-based aspects — analytical, creative and practical intelligence — that work together. Gardner's theory instead lists several content-based intelligences, such as musical, spatial and interpersonal, treated as relatively independent domains.
How well are they supported?
Both face the criticism of limited validated measurement, though Sternberg has developed assessments to test his model. Gardner's multiple intelligences has been especially criticised for weak empirical support and for relabelling talents as separate intelligences.
Which should you choose?
Neither has replaced the hierarchical, g-based models like CHC that underpin mainstream testing. Their lasting value is conceptual: both remind us that human ability is broad, and that a single score captures only part of what people can do.