Who would have championed the utility of a single summary intelligence score as the definitive index of cognitive ability?
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Answer: D. Spearman
Explanation
Charles Spearman pioneered the concept of a single general intelligence factor known as lowercase g. He argued that this overarching factor underlies all specific mental abilities and performance outcomes. The other theorists championed multi-factor models rather than relying on a single summary index. Spearman utilized factor analysis to demonstrate that people who score high on one mental test often score high on others. General intelligence theory assumes a hierarchical structure with g sitting at the very top. The single-score summary index became the foundation for early intelligence quotient test development.
Military and industrial selectors historically favored Spearman's single g score for efficient personnel screening. Educational psychologists debate whether summarizing complex cognitive profiles into one number is entirely useful. Understanding Spearman's model provides historical context for modern intelligence testing practices worldwide. Option A refers to Thurstone, who identified several primary mental abilities instead of one general factor. Option B refers to Sternberg, who proposed a triarchic theory of multiple distinct intelligences. Option C refers to Gardner, famous for his theory of multiple distinct human intelligences.
- Subject
- Psychology
- Category
- Psychology
- Topic
- —
- Difficulty
- medium
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