Which of the following is not an element of Sternberg’s triarchic theory of intelligence?
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Crystallized intelligence
Sternberg’s triarchic theory has three basic types of intelligence: componential, experiential and contextual. Any other kind of intelligence is the odd one out.
Option (1) Contextual intelligence — An element of the theory (Incorrect). Contextual or practical intelligence is the ability to deal with the demands of the environment met every day, called ‘street smartness’ or ‘business sense’. Such people adapt to their environment, select a better one or change it to suit their needs.
Option (2) Componential intelligence — An element of the theory (Incorrect). Componential or analytical intelligence is the analysis of information to solve problems. It works through three components: knowledge acquisition, the meta or higher-order component (planning), and the performance component (doing the task).
Option (3) Crystallized intelligence — Not an element of the theory (Correct). Crystallized intelligence is not a part of Sternberg’s triarchic theory, which has only the three types given in the other options.
Option (4) Experiential intelligence — An element of the theory (Incorrect). Experiential or creative intelligence is using past experiences creatively to solve novel problems. Persons high on it combine different experiences in an original way to make new discoveries and inventions.
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. The elements of the triarchic theory of intelligence are shown in Figure 1.1.…” |