Cognitive Development during Middle Childhood

Question

1. Review Gardner’s Theory of Multiple Intelligences. Describe what you would add to improve this theory.
2. Review Sternberg’s Triarchic Theory. Describe what you would add to improve this theory.

Answer 1

When thinking about ways you would improve these theories, you could try researching what other psychologists or scientists have to say about them. For example, critics of a theory could say that the author/experimenter doesn't present adequate evidence or flesh out their methods. By starting with a basis of what other people are saying, you can think critically about the strengths and weaknesses of these theories. Do you agree or disagree with critics? Could their ideas lead you to think about solutions to the problems they point out?

From there, create an outline. What is the essential takeaway from each of these theories? What questions do they try to answer? Also consider the research design. What are the independent and dependent variables? Simplify the study by summarizing the procedure. Is there bias? Focusing on the details can help you think deeply about each piece of the theory individually, then the bigger picture.

Good luck!