Sternberg v. Gardner: Meeting of the Minds Robert J. Sternberg and Howard Gardner each proposed their own theory based on the idea that standardize IQ tests do not appropriately measure an individual’s intelligence they way it should be measured. An IQ exam or intelligence quotient, tests children to determine their educated success, and who would not be as successful based off knowledge that was taught in school. Both theories oppose this “traditional” method of testing children on only a fraction of intelligence that they acquired. Sternberg developed the Triarchic theory of intelligence where it is stated that intelligence is measured in three different categories; analytic intelligence, creative intelligence, and practical intelligence …show more content…
For example, the book talks about a child who excels in school and considered “smart” is higher in analytical intelligence, but may be lower in practical intelligence where they have issues with socializing in school (Santrock 246). Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences talks about how “surviving abilities” that a person with a cognitive disability can demonstrate despite “brain damage” (Santrock 246). An example provided from the textbook was about a movie character who was born with autism, but despite his learning disability he demonstrated the ability to successfully analyze and track cards in gambling card games (Santrock 246). The theory of multiple intelligences also introduces a new intelligence that is not seen in in Sternberg’s Triarchic theory, which is the naturalist intelligence. The naturalist intelligence refers to the ability distinguish and understand living things such as plants or animals. The naturalist intelligence is commonly used in farmers, botanist, and ecologist who are more sensitive to features of nature and use this ability productively for farming or biological science (Checkley