Spearman's general factor ('g')

Definition

Spearman's general factor refers to a hypothetical construct in psychometrics that represents an individual's overall cognitive ability or intelligence. It suggests that there is a single underlying factor that influences performance across different mental tasks.

Related terms

Specific Abilities: These are individual cognitive skills or aptitudes such as verbal comprehension, spatial reasoning, or mathematical ability.

Factor Analysis:

It is a statistical technique used to identify patterns among variables and determine if they can be explained by underlying factors.

Hierarchical Models: These models propose multiple levels of organization in cognitive abilities, with 'g' at the top level influencing more specific abilities at lower levels.