What makes up our intelligence? There are several theories that scientist use to describe intelligence in the Psychology community. The theory of multiple intelligence, the triarchic theory, and factor theories are the ones that are recognized today. Even today psychologists do not agree on what makes up intelligence so they use theories to understand and study them. Each theory has different types of intelligence within them and unique to each theory. Basically our intelligence is how we understand the world and deal with it challenges. What kind of intelligence do you have, and how well you relate to it is a question we constantly look for the answer of.
According to Rathus, 2012, Robert Sternberg proposed Triachic Theory into three components being analytical, creative, and practical (2012). The analytical component is seen as being related to academic abilities. This is how a person would choose to solve problems or seek out knowledge. The creative component is related to how we accept situations and solve problems from them. This is where a person can perceive the similarities and differences in their surroundings (Rathus, 2012). The last component is practical and it is related to how we deal with the environment around us. We often use the term “street smarts” as part of this component so we can gage how to deal with thing in our real worlds.
I can identify with the Triarchic theory of intelligence. While doing the research for this paper and trying to figure out which one best fits me. I have always viewed myself as an analytical person that thinks and solves problems around me. Growing up I have always felt I saw my environment a little differently, and it is hard to explain that feeling and put it into words exactly. I spent most of my time in the library reading as much as I could and doing as many word search puzzles as I could. I have always felt that these things came so easily to me and loved that it was something I could do easily. When I went into the Navy my highest score on the pre-entrance exam was comprehension and problem solving.
When I read about this theory these are the two things that first came to mind. So how does this relate to my intelligence? I like to think that I am a person who can look at something and analyze it, to come up with solutions to problems to make them better, and accept situations for the way they are going to be. According to Cherry, 2013,
“Psychologist Robert Sternberg defined intelligence as mental activity directed toward purposive adaptation to, selection and shaping of, real-world environments relevant to one’s life. While he agreed with Gardner that intelligence is much broader than a single, general ability, he instead suggested some of Gardner's intelligences are better viewed as individual talents. Sternberg proposed what he refers to as successful intelligence, which is comprised of three different factors: Analytical intelligence: This component refers to problem-solving abilities. Creative intelligence: This aspect of intelligence involves the ability to deal with new situations using past experiences and current skills. Practical intelligence: This element refers to the ability to adapt to a changing environment” (Cherry, 2013). With the research that Sternberg has written about his theory is why I feel this is what relates to me. If I look back at how