Which of the following theorists believed that intelligence was related to a single general factor (G-Factor)?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

To approach this question, we consider the historical theories of intelligence and how each theorist conceptualized its structure.
Option 1: Spearman. This choice identifies the proposer's name associated with the idea of a general intelligence factor, G, which underpins performance across a wide range of cognitive tasks. Spearman argued that a single underlying general ability explains much of the variance in test scores, with specific factors accounting for the rest. This aligns precisely with the G-factor theory.
Option 2: Thurstone. Thurstone challenged the notion of a single general factor by proposing multiple primary mental abilities (such as verbal comprehension, numerical ability, spatial reasoning, etc.). He argued that intelligence is better described as a constellation of several distinct but related abilities, not dominated by one general factor. So this option is inconsistent with the G-factor view.
Option 3: Gardner. Gardner is known for multiple intelligences theory, which expands the concept of intelligence to include diverse, domain-specific abilities like linguistic, logical-m mathematical, musical, spatial, bodily-kinesthetic, interpersonal, intrapersonal, and naturalistic intelligences. This framework rejects a single general intelligence factor as the sole determinant of cognitive performance, making this option incompatible with the G-factor idea.
Option 4: Cattell. Cattell contributed to the theory of fluid and crystallized intelligence, proposing a two-factor model that distinguishes raw problem-solving abilities (fluid intelligence) from culturally influenced knowledge (crystallized intelligence). While this acknowledges structure within intelligence, it still centers around a general underlying capacity and its specific expressions rather than endorsing a purely single-factor view. However, the core historical attribution to a single general factor is most directly associated with Spearman, whereas Cattell expands on the nature of the general factor rather than denying it altogether.
In summary, the assertion that intelligence is related to a single general factor (G-Factor) is most accurately attributed to Spearman, while the other theorists either propose multiple factors, multiple intelligences, or refine the nature of the general factor without abandoning its core idea.

APPSYCH141-034 Section 15 Quiz: Intelligence

Which of the following theorists believed that intelligence was related to a single general factor (G-Factor)?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

Similar Questions

Spearman's observation that people who do well on one mental ability test tend to do well on other mental ability tests led to the model of intelligence known as ___________________.

The g factor contributes to

What is a factor of intelligence that suggests that it makes sense to talk about overall intelligence?

Spearman's observation that people who do well on one mental ability test tend to do well on other mental ability tests led to the model of intelligence known as ___________________.

Often people refer to "g" when discussing intelligence. Which of the following statements is true about this aspect of intelligence?

Paola studies intelligence. She gives children a number of different tasks and finds that their performance on the tasks are correlated. This finding supports which view of intelligence?

The g-factor refers to

More Practical Tools for Students Powered by AI Study Helper

Homework AI Solver

Stylized AI Paper Writer

Plagiarism Checker Assistant

Citation AI Academic Writing Tool

In-Class Translation Assistant

AI Note Generator

AI Quiz Answers

Past Exam Questions from University Test Bank

Smart Practice Assistant

Adaptive Practice

Making Your Study Simpler