Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of

Intelligences

If IQ rules, it is only because we let it.

And when we let it rule, we choose a bad master. We got ourselves into the

test mess; we can get ourselves out of it.

ROBERT J. STERNBERG

Overview of Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of

Intelligence

Sternberg describes three different kinds of intelligence in his model:

Analytical thinking (componential)

Creative thinking (experiential)

Practical thinking(contextual)

Analytical thinking focuses on planning, monitoring, reflection, and transfer

Creative thinking 

focuses on developing, applying new ideas, and creating solutions

Practical thinking

focuses on selecting and shaping real-world environments and experiences

How successful a person can use these three different intelligences is not only a result of simply having high intelligence in one or more of these three intelligence domains, success also depends on how well they are balanced against each other. Through metacognition an individual decides what mode of thinking is appropriate under certain conditions.

Typology Of People Based on the Triarchic Intelligence:• The Analyzer• The Creator• The Practioner• The Analytical Creator• The Analytical Practioner • The Creative Practioner • The Consummate Balancer

The Analyzer 

fares well in academic environments, but isn't likely to make a creative contribution to the field

The Creator generates ideas easily, but

is unable to analyze these ideas or to put them into practice. 

The Practioner 

is persuasive and maybe entertaining, but lacks substance in thinking.

The Analytical Creator 

is able to analyze created ideas, but doesn't easily communicate these ideas to others.

The Analytical Practioner 

succeeds in conventional terms because high IQ is translated into practical work, but he is unlikely to make a lasting contribution.

The Creative Practioner has the ability to come up

with new ideas and can persuade other people of the value of these ideas, regardless whether those ideas are worth it or not.

The Consummate Balancer 

is able to apply all of the three intelligences as needed, and is therefore in the best position to make a valuable contribution to society.