Before starting her science project, Meera sits down and decides which topic to take up, what steps to follow and in what order. She also works out how much time each step will need. Which element of Sternberg's triarchic theory is she mainly using?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Meta component
Option (1) Knowledge acquisition component — Incorrect. This component of componential intelligence is for learning and picking up the ways of doing things. Meera already knows the work; she is deciding how to go about it.
Option (2) Performance component — Incorrect. The performance component is the actual doing of the task. Meera has not started the project yet, so this part comes later.
Option (3) Meta component — Correct. The meta component is the higher order part of componential (analytical) intelligence. It is about planning what to do and how to do it, which is what Meera does before she begins.
Option (4) Experiential intelligence — Incorrect. Experiential or creative intelligence uses past experiences in an original way to solve new problems. Meera's step is planning a task.
NCERT (2026-27): “Triarchic Theory of Intelligence … |