Back to: Learning and Development B, ed Notes, M.A Notes, Graduation Notes
Spearman two factor theory and its educational implications
Many psychologists have developed conflicting theories of intelligence throughout the years. One of the earliest psychologists to propose the notion of intelligence was British scientist Charles Spearman. Let’s examine his view of intelligence in more depth.
Spearman two factor theory
- The “g factor” or “general intelligence” is another name for Spearman’s theory of intelligence. In 1904, he developed the two-factor theory of intelligence.
- To develop his hypothesis, Spearman employed the factor analysis method.
- Spearman claims that intelligence is a universal cognitive skill that can be quantified and expressed in numbers.
- He believes that people have a single basic quality, which he refers to as the “g-factor,” which allows them to use related skills, or “a specialised type of intellect,” or the “s-factor.”
- Spearmen attributed this connection to a shared element known as the General Intelligence (g). The Two-Factor Hypothesis of Intelligence is the name given to this theory as a result.
- The result of Spearman’s theory of general intelligence is the use of IQ tests, also known as intelligence quotient tests, as a method of assessing one’s general cognitive ability.
- He believed that a student who performed well in one topic was likely to perform similarly in related subjects, and a student who performed poorly in one subject would perform similarly in related areas.
- A kid who excelled in general knowledge, for instance, would also do well in quizzes and debate.
- A kid who is skilled at arithmetic will also be good at logic puzzles and pattern recognition. The Spearman Two Factor Theory of Intelligence argues that this is the case.
