Which theory posits that intelligence is a single general factor underlying performance on cognitive tasks?

Which theory posits that intelligence is a single general factor underlying performance on cognitive tasks?

• A. General Intelligence
• B. Multiple Intelligences
• C. Triarchic Theory
• D. Crystallized Intelligence

Answer: (D)

General intelligence, the idea often called g, captures the notion that one broad mental ability underlies performance across many cognitive tasks. When someone scores well on memory or reasoning tests, they tend to do well on other different kinds of tasks too, because this single factor influences a wide range of abilities. This view comes from early factor analysis showing a common variance among diverse cognitive tasks—the positive manifold you often hear about. In contrast, other theories propose different structures. The idea of multiple intelligences argues there are several distinct domains of ability rather than one shared factor. The Triarchic Theory suggests analytical, practical, and creative components that interact rather than a single overarching score. Crystallized intelligence, meanwhile, refers to knowledge and skills accumulated from experience, which can grow with time but does not itself represent a single underlying factor that governs all cognitive performance. So the single general factor explanation is best captured by the concept of general intelligence (g).

General intelligence, the idea often called g, captures the notion that one broad mental ability underlies performance across many cognitive tasks. When someone scores well on memory or reasoning tests, they tend to do well on other different kinds of tasks too, because this single factor influences a wide range of abilities. This view comes from early factor analysis showing a common variance among diverse cognitive tasks—the positive manifold you often hear about.

In contrast, other theories propose different structures. The idea of multiple intelligences argues there are several distinct domains of ability rather than one shared factor. The Triarchic Theory suggests analytical, practical, and creative components that interact rather than a single overarching score. Crystallized intelligence, meanwhile, refers to knowledge and skills accumulated from experience, which can grow with time but does not itself represent a single underlying factor that governs all cognitive performance. So the single general factor explanation is best captured by the concept of general intelligence (g).