Abstract
SPEARMAN'S theory may be summarised as follows: (1) A mathematical theorem, that when all the tetrad differences such as (rabrcd-racrbd) formed from N variables a, b, c, d, . . . vanish, each variable may be considered as the sum of two parts (or ‘factors’) which are numerical multiples of a general factor g (the same for every variable) and of a specific factor s (different in each case). These N + 1 factors are all uncorrelated with each other. (2) The attribution principally to mere error of sampling of the non-vanishing of the small tetrad differences formed from dissimilar mental measurements. (3) The interpretation of g as general mental energy, and of each s as a specific ability.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Rent or buy this article
Prices vary by article type
from$1.95
to$39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
PIAGGIO, H. The General Factor in Spearman's Theory of Intelligence. Nature 127, 56–57 (1931). https://doi.org/10.1038/127056b0
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/127056b0
This article is cited by
-
Factor analysis and Psychometrika: Major developments
Psychometrika (1986)
-
Factor indeterminacy in the 1930's and the 1970's some interesting parallels
Psychometrika (1979)
-
The effect of additional variables on factor indeterminacy in models with a single common factor
Psychometrika (1978)
-
Ambiguity in Sign of Spearman's General Factor
Nature (1933)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.