Does Thurstone's model include a general intelligence factor (g) at the top?

Does Thurstone's model include a general intelligence factor (g) at the top?

• A. Yes, a single general factor g
• B. No, Thurstone did not posit a general factor g
• C. It posits g only as a second-order factor
• D. It denies any relatedness among factors

Answer: (B)

Thurstone’s view of intelligence centers on multiple primary abilities rather than one overarching factor. He proposed that intelligence consists of several distinct abilities—such as verbal comprehension, numerical ability, spatial relations, memory, perceptual speed, and reasoning—that are relatively independent. Because of this structure, there isn’t a single general intelligence factor at the top that accounts for all cognitive performance. This stands in contrast to Spearman’s idea of g, where a general factor underlies diverse tasks. While some correlations among the primary abilities can exist, Thurstone did not posit a top-level general factor to organize them.

Thurstone’s view of intelligence centers on multiple primary abilities rather than one overarching factor. He proposed that intelligence consists of several distinct abilities—such as verbal comprehension, numerical ability, spatial relations, memory, perceptual speed, and reasoning—that are relatively independent. Because of this structure, there isn’t a single general intelligence factor at the top that accounts for all cognitive performance. This stands in contrast to Spearman’s idea of g, where a general factor underlies diverse tasks. While some correlations among the primary abilities can exist, Thurstone did not posit a top-level general factor to organize them.