Robert Sternberg theorizes that the three keys to successful intelligence are analytical, creative and practical intelligences. Each have their own strengths that are helpful in both a learning environment and a career. All three are purposeful and necessary for a balanced successful intelligence. Sternberg's intelligence theory helps to explain the different aspects of the human mind and how it works in unique ways. "Sternberg's discussions on intelligence are very different from a lot of others because he appears to think that other than a static score, intelligence is somewhat malleable and should take into consideration things like culture, gender, age, parenting style, personality, and schooling." (Wilson).
The first aspect of Sternberg's theory is the analytical intelligence. Analytical intelligence is required to "solve problems and to judge the quality of ideas" (Sternberg) It emphasizes memorization and the ability to answer according to a teacher's expectations. This intelligence is strongly enforced in education as most testing requires analytical ability as opposed to creative or practical abilities. Grades from school and standardized tests, such as the SAT, or ACT, measure only analytical intelligence. Many students, however, may not have strong analytical intelligence. Those who are stronger in creative and practical intelligences often do not receive credit or praise because they do not test as well. Their grades do not effectively reflect their intelligence; students have different strengths and weaknesses. While analytical intelligence is very useful in the school setting, it does not play such an important role in the business setting. After students complete their education, job markets are looking for creative thinkers that can execute a task successfully. If a person's only strength is their analytical intelligence, they most likely would not be able to perform as well as those with strong creative and practical intelligence.