Gabby and Bena are both considered to be very smart girls, in their respective environments. Gabby gets good grades, but Bena doesn't read or write. Gabby grew up in Canada, in a household where academic achievement is valued and rewarded. Bena grew up in a tribe in South America where social skills and food gathering skills are valued and rewarded. Which of Sternberg's subtheories explains why both girls are considered to be smart?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The contextual subtheory emphasizes the importance of understanding intelligence in relation to the cultural and environmental context in which it is displayed. This theory suggests that different cultures and environments may value different types of intelligence, and therefore, individuals who display intelligence within their specific context should be considered smart in their own right. In this case, Gabby's academic achievements are valued and rewarded in her Canadian household, while Bena's social and food-gathering skills are valued and rewarded in her South American tribe. Therefore, according to the contextual subtheory, both girls are considered smart within their respective environments.

Gabby and Bena Are Both Considered to Be Very Smart