Two factor theory of Intelligence

Two factor theory of Intelligence

v  Proposed by Charles E. Spearman –(1923) (American Psychologist)

v  According to Spearman:-

v  Intelligence consist only two factor General factor (g) and Specific factor (s)

v  g’ factor is general mental ability towards different tasks.

v  ‘s’ factor is specific capacity that helps the person to deal with specific problems

v  g’ factor remains constant while ‘s’ factor varies with the intellectual activity. For example, One’s performance in physics= g+s₁; Maths =g+s₂; English =g+s₃

v   Different activity requires different combination of ‘g’ and ‘s’

‘s’ factor influenced by education and training whereas ‘g’ is innate

‘g’ factor

Ø  Universal inborn ability

Ø  General mental energy

Ø  Amount of ‘g’ differs from individual to individual

Ø  It is used in every life activity

Ø  The greater the ‘g’ in individual, the greater the success.

‘s’ factor

Ø  It learned and acquired in environment

Ø  It varies from activity to activity in the same individual

Ø  Individuals differ in amount of ‘s’.

Ø  Mass of ‘s’ is unlimited.

Ø  We can improve ‘s’ factor.