Sternberg's Triarchic Theory of Intelligence

The cognitive capacity of the human being it is one of the most investigated aspects of psychology. The concept of intelligence has varied throughout history, although for the most part it has been considered as the ability to solve problems and adapt efficiently to the environment.

There are theories that consider it to be a single general capacity, or a set of hierarchical capacities subordinated to a capacity basic, while other theorists see that this concept is a set of more or less independent capabilities that allow us to adapt successfully. One of the existing theories that try to explain how intelligence is structured is Robert J. Sternberg.

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Sternberg's Triarchic Theory: General Concept

Sternberg's triarchic theory of intelligence is based on Sternberg's conception that traditional and hierarchical models of intelligence are not exhaustive given that do not account for the use made of intelligence itself, limiting themselves to conceptualizing its nature and functioning without observing how it is linked and applied in a context real.

Thus, this theory considers that the measurement of intellectual capacity has focused solely on one aspect of intelligence, ignoring other aspects of great relevance that form cognitive abilities by themselves. In conclusion. Sternberg argues that it is not enough to see what is done, but also how and why, when acting.

For Sternberg intelligence is any mental activity that guides the conscious adaptation to the environment and to the selection or transformation of it with the purpose of predicting results and being able to actively provoke the adaptation of one to the environment or the environment to one. It is about the set of thinking abilities that are used in solving more or less everyday or abstract problems.

The conception of this author is close to the vision of intelligence as a set of capabilities instead of a single unitary and unchangeable element. It is from this idea and the perception that other theories do not establish how intelligence is linked to the real world that the author establishes his theory of triarchic intelligence, whose name is due to the consideration of three types of intelligence.

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The three types of intelligence

Sternberg elaborates a theory according to which he considers the existence of three types of intelligence that explain the processing of information internally, externally and at the level of interaction between both of them.

In other words, he considers the existence of three basic abilities that determine intellectual capacity. He specifically he establishes the existence of an analytical intelligence, a practical intelligence and a creative intelligence.

1. Analytical or component intelligence

For Sternberg's triarchic theory of intelligence, analytical intelligence assumes the ability to capture, store, modify and work with information. It is the closest to the unitary conception of intelligence, referring to the ability to establish plans and manage cognitive resources. Thanks to analytical intelligence we can perform mental operations such as defining, making decisions and generating solutions.

In this intelligence we can find the elementary components or processes that allow working on cognitive representations of reality, modify them and go through a processing that allows giving an answer.

These components can be divided into metacomponents or control processes that allow making decisions and marking how to think and act as well as planning, the components of performance or realization which are set in motion from the metacomponents and allow to carry out said plans established by them and the acquisition components the which allow learning and obtaining information.

2. Practical or contextual intelligence

This type of intelligence refers to the ability of human beings to adapt to the environment in which they live. In the first place, the organism tries to survive from what already exists in the environment, taking advantage of the opportunities it offers to adapt.

However, if this is not possible, the person must establish other mechanisms to be able to adapt and survive. These other processes are the selection of environment and stimuli in order to improve their situation and / or the shaping of the environment in cases where it is not possible to change the environment, in this case making modifications in the environment itself to better adjust the chances of it.

For example, a person who is hungry can select the environment and move to a place where there is an abundance of food or take advantage of elements present in the environment. environment that were not previously part of his diet to feed on, or you may decide to modify the environment by starting to garden your own food. It is about applying cognitive skills with an adaptive purpose.

3. Creative or experiential intelligence

This type of intelligence is considered as the integration of information obtained from abroad with our psyche. In other words, it is the kind of skill that allows us to learn from experience. It is also linked to creativity and to the resolution of problems not previously experienced.

In this sense Sternberg observes that the degree of novelty is importantof experiences and tasks. Ideally, the task may be new to a moderate degree, so that the subject can create and react to new stimuli while having a tool that allows you to front.

Another relevant aspect is automation, that is, the ability to replicate a behavior or knowledge without requiring a conscious effort. Repeating tasks on various occasions allows mastering them and reducing their level of novelty and the need for attention to each basic element that is part of them. The higher the level of automation, the higher the level of resources available to tackle other tasks successfully.

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Bibliographic references:

• Hernangómez, L. and Fernández, C. (2012). Personality and differential psychology. CEDE Preparation Manual PIR, 07. CEDE: Madrid.

• Martin, M. (2007). Historical and conceptual analysis of the relationships between intelligence and reason. Spain: University of Malaga.

• Sternberg, R. J. (1985). Beyond IQ: A Triarchic Theory of Intelligence. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press.