According to Sternberg, which type of intelligence is the poorest predictor of academic and occupational achievement?

The correct answer identifies practical intelligence as the type of intelligence that is the poorest predictor of academic and occupational achievement, according to Sternberg's theory. Practical intelligence refers to the ability to adapt to, shape, and select environments to meet personal goals and is often associated with common sense and real-world problem-solving. While it is valuable in navigating everyday situations, it doesn't necessarily correlate as strongly with traditional academic success or occupational accomplishment, which tend to emphasize analytical skills, knowledge acquisition, and educational credentials.

In contrast, analytical intelligence—often linked to academic performance—evaluates how well someone can analyze, compare, and contrast information. Similarly, creativity and curiosity can contribute positively to one's capacity for innovation and exploration, aspects that are increasingly recognized as important in various career paths. However, practical intelligence's reliance on contextual skills, while essential for everyday functioning, may not be as directly aligned with the metrics of academic or occupational success as the other forms of intelligence noted in Sternberg's triarchic theory.