Question

Who proposed the Two-Factor Theory of intelligence ?

• A. Charles Spearman
• B. Louis Thurstone
• C. Howard Gardner
• D. J. P. Guilford

Answer 1

Answer:

A. Charles Spearman

• Charles Edward Spearman, an English psychologist, proposed the Two-Factor Theory of Intelligence in 1904.
• He used a statistical method known as Factor Analysis to assess correlations between tests of different mental abilities.
• According to Spearman, intellectual performance depends on two main factors:
  • General Factor ('g' factor): An innate, universal mental capacity common to all cognitive activities. It remains constant throughout an individual's life and acts as mental energy.
  • Specific Factor ('s' factor): Specialized abilities required for specific tasks (e.g., musical, mathematical, artistic, or spatial skills). These can be developed and enhanced through training and experience.
• An individual's total intelligence is the combination of the common general factor (g) and task-specific factors (s₁, s₂, s₃, ...).