In terms of intelligence, a single underlying general ability that would impact a person’s performance on all types of tests (such as math tests, verbal reasoning tests, abstract reasoning tests, etc.) would be called: Multiple Choice g s megafactor crystallized intelligence
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
The correct answer is g.
Explanation:
The concept of a single underlying general ability that affects performance across different types of cognitive tasks (like math, verbal reasoning, abstract reasoning, etc.) is referred to as g, which stands for general intelligence.
The idea of g was introduced by British psychologist Charles Spearman in the early 20th century. He found that performance across various cognitive tests (such as verbal and math tests) was correlated, suggesting that individuals who performed well on one type of cognitive test tended to perform well on others. Spearman theorized that this shared factor could be attributed to a single underlying general intelligence factor, which he labeled “g.”
Key points about g (General Intelligence):
- Universal Influence: g represents a general cognitive ability that influences how well a person performs across different cognitive tasks, regardless of the specific content or test type.
- Broad Application: It has a significant impact on a person’s ability to solve problems, reason abstractly, and adapt to new situations.
- Factor Analysis: Spearman’s method of factor analysis revealed that many diverse cognitive tests (from verbal ability to spatial reasoning) shared a common factor—g—indicating the existence of general intelligence.
- Distinction from Other Concepts:
- S: Spearman also identified “s” factors, which refer to specific abilities or skills in particular domains (e.g., math or language), but g was seen as the overarching factor that influenced all abilities.
- Megafactor: This term is less commonly used and could imply a broader construct that might include multiple dimensions of intelligence.
- Crystallized Intelligence: Refers to the accumulation of knowledge and skills through experience. It is distinct from g, which is more about the inherent capacity to reason and solve novel problems.
In summary, g is the correct answer because it represents a general cognitive ability that influences performance across a wide variety of intellectual tasks.
