The Triarchic Theory of Intelligence or Three Forms of Intelligence,[1] formulated by psychologist Robert Sternberg, aims to go against the psychometric approach to intelligence and take a more cognitive approach, which leaves it to the category of the cognitive-contextual theories.[2] The three meta components are also called triarchic components.
Sternberg's definition of human intelligence is "(a) mental activity directed toward purposive adaptation to, selection and shaping of, real-world environments relevant to one's life".[3] Thus, Sternberg viewed intelligence as how well an individual deals with environmental changes throughout their lifespan. Sternberg's theory comprises three parts: componential, experiential and practical.
Sternberg's theory has since been expanded and advanced in the book Experiential Intelligence by Soren Kaplan.