triarchic theory of intelligence
a theory of intelligence in which three key abilities—analytical, creative, and practical—are viewed as largely (although not entirely) distinct. According to the theory, intelligence comprises a number of information-processing components, which are applied to experience (especially novel experiences) in order to adapt to, shape, and select environments. The theory is triarchic because it contains three subtheories: one specifying the components of intelligence (see componential subtheory), another specifying the kinds of experience to which the components are applied (see experiential subtheory), and a third specifying how the components should be used in various kinds of environmental contexts (see contextual subtheory). [proposed in 1985 by Robert J. Sternberg (1949– ), U.S. psychologist]