Intelligence has been one of the debatable topics throughout the history of psychology. Learning, problem-solving, and reasoning are essential aspects of human intelligence. Many problems are solved by reasoning and relating these issues with other experiences and finally, come up with a solution. Highly complicated and simple behavioral ranges can be learned all through the lifespan. However, there are differences between individuals in the ability to learn, reason, and solve problems, therefore leading to human variation in the ability to deal with challenges. Researchers have suggested various definitions of intelligence together with different theories and tests that explain human intelligence at different times in history. As the definitions vary significantly depending on the theorists, this research focuses on one of the theories of intelligence, and it’s testing.
While psychologists regularly disagree on the causes and definition of intelligence, current concepts tend to put forward that human intelligence is the ability to learn from experiences. The experiences entail retaining and using knowledge, solving problems; coming up with helpful solutions to the complications, and recognizing problems; entails identifying problems in the surrounding that need to be looked into (Cherry, 2019). Various psychologists have come up with several theories that give an explanation of the nature of human intelligence. Some of the main theories developed within the last century include general intelligence by psychologist Charles Spearman, primary mental abilities by Louis Thurstone, multiple intelligences theory, and triarchic theory by Robert Sternberg (Cherry, 2019).
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The triarchic theory of intelligence was formulated in 1985 by psychologist Robert Sternberg as a substitute for the concept of general intelligence theory (Aron, 2015). Sternberg's theory suggests that an individual's ability to adapt and react towards the environment they are in and also the creativity are correspondingly essential when evaluating the person's overall intelligence (Aron, 2015). According to Sternberg, intelligence consists of abilities that can be developed; thus, it is not fixed (Aron, 2015). The triarchic theory consists of three sub-theories, which all connect to a precise kind of intelligence. These include sub-theories include contextual, Experiential, and componential sub-theory.
Contextual sub-theory: the theory relates to practical intelligence suggesting that a person’s intelligence is entangled with the person's environment. Therefore intelligence is centered on the daily activities and circumstances, which entails adapting to the environment, selecting a suitable environment, and modeling the environment to fit the person's desires and needs (Aron, 2015).
Experimental sub-theory: relates to creative intelligence, proposing a range of experiences from familiar to unfamiliar situations that can bring about the establishment of new ideas (Aron, 2015). It is during intense experiences that intelligence is best revealed. For instance, a person is challenged with an unfamiliar situation, and they have to find a way to deal with the situation. In another example, a person is faced with a familiar situation and can navigate through it confidently (Aron, 2015).
Componential sub-theory: this theory relates to analytical intelligence, which is the ability to solve problems (Cherry, 2019). This theory is revealed by a person's ability to compare, analyze, evaluate, contrast, and judge. This kind of intelligence is assessed by a standard IQ test (Cherry, 2019).
In proving the triarchic theory of intelligence, testing of the theory had to be formulated. Sternberg Triarchic Abilities Test (STAT) was formed and was designed to evaluate the three diverse sub-theories of the triarchic theory of intelligence (Koke & Vernon, 2013). The Sternberg Triarchic Abilities Test is a collection intelligence test, purposed for research that uses quantitative, figural stuff, and verbal and essays to evaluate individuals' creative, practical, and analytical abilities (Koke & Vernon, 2013). Recent versions of the STAT test entails other aspects, which include storytelling, story writing, designing and making things, and watching movies that have practical complications for the tested individual to solve (Koke & Vernon, 2013). The results contain scores for the creative, practical, analytical components.
References
Aron, B. (2015). Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory of Intelligence. Applied Psychology Research. 34-39. https://www.researchgate.net
Cherry, K. (2019). Theories of Intelligence in Psychology. https://www.verywellmind.com
Koke, L. & Vernon, P. (2013). The Sternberg Triarchic Abilities Test (STAT) as a Measure of Academic Achievement and General Intelligence. Personality and Individual Differences . 1802-1808. Doi: 10.1016/S0191-8869(03)00005-9
