Theory of Intelligence given by Spearman is:

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 2:

The correct option is 2 (Two factor theory):
The Two-Factor Theory of Intelligence was proposed by the British psychologist Charles Spearman in 1927. This theory posits that intelligence is composed of two primary factors: a general factor (or 'g' factor) and specific factors (or 's' factors). The 'g' factor represents a universal mental energy or cognitive ability that underlies performance on nearly all mental tasks. It is considered to be constant and inherited. Conversely, the 's' factors are specific abilities unique to a particular task, such as numerical ability, mechanical ability, or verbal ability. Spearman argued that a person's performance on any intellectual test is thus determined by a combination of their general intelligence ('g') and the specific skills ('s') relevant to that test. This theory was groundbreaking as it attempted to statistically quantify and structure the concept of intelligence, moving past earlier, simpler views.

The incorrect option is 1 (One factor theory):
The One Factor Theory, often associated with Alfred Binet, is a very simple view that suggests intelligence is a single, general ability that can be expressed as a mental age or an IQ score. Spearman's work explicitly expanded upon this by dividing intelligence into the general factor ('g') and specific factors ('s').

The incorrect option is 3 (Three factor theory):
While some later theories proposed three factors (like Guilford’s Structure of Intellect model, which included operations, contents, and products), Spearman himself only proposed two factors ('g' and 's'). The Three Factor Theory is not associated with Spearman's original work.

The incorrect option is 4 (Multi-factor theory):
Multi-factor theories suggest that intelligence consists of many different factors or abilities, sometimes without a single overarching 'g' factor. Prominent examples include Thorndike's multi-factor theory or Thurstone's Primary Mental Abilities. Spearman’s model is specifically called the Two-Factor Theory because it explicitly includes the central 'g' factor, differentiating it from purely multi-factor models.