'Street Smartness' or 'business sense' are aspects in individuals who are high in practical or _________ intelligence.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → Contextual
The question is about Sternberg’s triarchic theory, which has three types of intelligence: componential, experiential and contextual.
Option (1) Contextual — Correct. Contextual or practical intelligence is the ability to deal with the demands of the environment met every day. It may be called ‘street smartness’ or ‘business sense’. Such people adapt to their environment, select a better one or change it to fit their needs, and so turn out to be successful in life.
Option (2) Componential — Incorrect. Componential or analytical intelligence is the analysis of information to solve problems; people high on it think analytically and critically and do well in school.
Option (3) Experiential — Incorrect. Experiential or creative intelligence is using past experiences creatively to solve novel problems; it shows in original discoveries and inventions.
Option (4) Linguistic — Incorrect. Linguistic intelligence belongs to Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences: the capacity to use language fluently and flexibly, strong in poets and writers.
NCERT (2025-26): “Triarchic Theory of Intelligence … Robert Sternberg (1985) proposed the triarchic theory of intelligence. Sternberg views intelligence as ‘the ability to adapt, to shape and select environment to accomplish one’s goals and those of one’s society and culture’. According to this theory, there are three basic types of intelligence: Componential, Experiential, and Contextual.…” “Contextual Intelligence : … Contextual or practical intelligence involves the ability to deal with environmental demands encountered on a daily basis. It may be called ‘street smartness’ or ‘business sense’. Persons high on this aspect easily adapt to their present environment or select a more favourable environment than the existing one, or modify the environment to fit their needs. Therefore, they turn out to be successful in life.…” |