Question

WILL RATE

Identify and discuss Sternberg's three forms of intelligence. Relate what factors you believe influence the development of each type of intelligence. Identify methods you believe could be used to improve intelligence in each form or if you believe improvements could not be made and why. Around 250 words please

Answer 1

Aprrox. 445 words.

1) The triarchic theory described by Sternberg has three types of intelligence that a person can possess - practical intelligence, creative intelligence, and analytical intelligence.

1. Contextual or Practical Intelligence - It is defined as the type of intelligence that helps you survive in the world. It helps in adapting, manipulating and reacting to your environment in order to thrive or survive in the world. It uses three processes - Adaptation (changing self), Shaping (changing environment) and Selection (new environment is chosen). These types are usually referred to as ‘street smarts'.

2. Componential or Analytical intelligence - It is defined as the type of intelligence that helps in processing and analyzing of information around you. It helps in understanding a problem, finding a solution and solving it logically. It is believed to be joint operations of three components - Metacomponents or Executive processes (problem solving and decision making), Knowledge-acquisition components (Obtaining and storing new information), and Performance components (carrying out actions for solving). These types are usually referred to as 'book smart'.

3. Experiential or Creative Intelligence - It is defined as the type of intelligence that helps in approaching new information and using new methods to apply using previous knowledge. It helps in finding new and novel solutions to problems using the previously existing knowledge base. There are two categories in this type - Novelty (first encounter reaction to something new) and Automatization (learning to perform repetitive tasks automatically).

2) There are many factors that underlie and influence each type of intelligence. For creative intelligence, factors like freedom, expressing, imaginative thinking, expertise, interest, risk taking, etc. impact its development and growth. For practical intelligence, factors like experience, tacit knowledge, practical application of knowledge, personal skills and personality, critical thinking, etc. affect its growth and development. In case of analytical intelligence, factors like logical thinking, interest in analytical subjects (like math, physics, etc.), ability to solve puzzles, logical questions, reasoning, etc. develop it.

3) Gene and environment are two major factors that affect any type of intelligence. So, any improvement done, if any, can only help improve it a bit. A person who has more of analytical intelligence is unable to become creatively intelligent if she/he does not possess it. Most of the growth and development of these intelligence are done through schooling. Analytical intelligence can be improved by trying to solve puzzles, mathematical or logical questions, etc. Practical intelligence can be improved by trying to improve certain skills, like management skills, learning from experience, etc. Creative intelligence is improved by divergent thinking, by coming up with original ideas (like writing a poem, or creating a new tune, finding new uses of an old cloth), etc.