Spearman and the general factor of intelligence essay
General intelligence. British psychologist Charles Spearman (1863-1945) described the concept of general intelligence, or the g-factor. After using factor analysis to examine tests of mental ability, Spearman concluded that the scores on these tests were remarkably similar. Spearman used factor analysis to prove that certain groups of mental ability tests can measure a common mental ability. Charles Spearman's model of intelligence is based on his observation: 'All tests of mental ability are positively correlated. Spearman discovered that people who score high on IQ or mental ability tests tend to, In the s, psychologist Charles Spearman developed his theory of general intelligence that identified G, an underlying intelligence factor. G would be responsible for the wide range of observable abilities in people who spoke to people. G is therefore the basis of human intelligence. While there are a number of other factors, a few notable articles have appeared in the American Journal of Psychology. 1, author, Charles Edward Spearman, a year-old former army officer, was at that time still a doctoral student at the most important center for experimental psychology in Germany and Europe, the laboratory in Leipzig, founded and directed by Wilhelm Wundt. General intelligence, also known as the g-factor, refers to a critical cognitive ability that has been well characterized by cognitive neuroscientists and psychologists. It is one of the most pervasive concepts in psychology. It is measured by psychological tests and is often expressed in the form of intelligence IQ. Charles Spearman, on the one hand, defended the omnipotence of his general factor of intelligence, g. On the other hand, Louis Thurstone advocated seven 'primary skills’”.