Document Type

Book Chapter

Publication Date

4-25-2025

Keywords

Charles Spearman, cognitive processes, current hierarchical models, Edward Thorndike, general intelligence factor, general population, hierarchical models of intelligence, human intelligence, independent abilities, intelligence, John Carroll, John Horn, Louis Thurstone, multi-factor model, norm group, Phillip Vernon, psychological measurement, psychologists, psychometric approach, Raymond Cattell, single general factor, standardized tests

Disciplines

Developmental Psychology

Abstract

Within the field of psychology, intelligence is usually defined using a psychometric approach. This approach relies on the use of psychological measurement, or standardized tests, to objectively measure the cognitive processes and skills of an individual and compare them to the processes and skills of a norm group that represents the general population. Historically, psychologists who studied human intelligence fell into two major groups. One group, which included psychologists such as Charles Spearman, Phillip Vernon, and John Carroll, favored a single general factor comprised of a variety of specific factors to explain intelligence. The second group, which included psychologists such as Edward Thorndike, Louis Thurstone, Raymond Cattell and John Horn, favored a multi-factor model of intelligence. This group maintained that intelligence is a composite of several different and independent abilities. Current hierarchical models of intelligence represent a merging of these early views of intelligence. They propose that overall intelligence can be measured as a single factor, but multiple distinct and measurable factors that uniquely contribute to an individual’s overall ability.

Download

Share

COinS