Triarchic means "governed by three (3)". Descriptive of Robert Sternberg's view that intellectual functioning has three (3) aspects: analytical intelligence, creative intelligence, and practical intelligence.

In the psychology context, "Triarchic" refers to a theory of intelligence developed by Robert J. Sternberg. The theory suggests that intelligence is composed of three different aspects or sub-theories: analytical intelligence, creative intelligence, and practical intelligence.

  1. Analytical intelligence refers to the ability to analyze, compare, evaluate, and contrast information. This type of intelligence is closely associated with traditional IQ tests and academic performance.

  2. Creative intelligence refers to the ability to generate new and original ideas, think outside the box, and find solutions to problems. This type of intelligence is important for fields such as art, music, and science.

  3. Practical intelligence refers to the ability to apply knowledge to real-world situations, adapt to new environments, and solve everyday problems. This type of intelligence is important for success in the workplace and in everyday life.

Examples of triarchic intelligence can include a person who has strong analytical intelligence, but may not be very creative or practical in their approach to problem-solving. Alternatively, a person who is very creative may not be as strong in analytical or practical intelligence. The triarchic theory of intelligence suggests that individuals may possess varying degrees of each of these intelligence types, and that intelligence is not limited to just one specific aspect.