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.