Charles Edward Spearman (1), in 1927 created what is considered the first theory of learning and explains with his theory that it is divided into two components that determine the development of the process.
It is for this reason that this theory is called the bifactorial theory, and although internally they have some hierarchy and relevance to their structure, both are present in all individuals and are equally important.
In the following article, we will talk in greater depth about this theory, what its characteristics are, the two factors that compose it and which authors had important participations and contributions.
What is Spearman’s bifactorial theory?
Spearman’s bifactorial theory follows Galton’s orientation, following his interest in intelligence and the sensory capacities involved in the process.
Spearman initially considered that tests ofa cognitive natureand of course, well developed, would have the full capacity to assess the level of intelligence of any individual.
He also highlighted the birth of the components “g” and “s”, who for him were always present although in different proportions, both in intelligence measures and in the individuals in question.
To highlight: In “History of intelligence in relation to older people” of the University ofValladolid(2), another idea is raised that was quite relevant, wasthe consideration of intelligence as an aptitude that can be evaluatedand characterized by the ability to be transformed from the knowledge obtained.
What are the characteristics of Spearman’s bifactorial theory?
This theory has certain elements that characterize its development . They will be described below focused on the greater understanding of Charles Spearman’s bifactorial theory:
1. It focuses on the study of intelligence
As we previously mentioned, Spearman’s theory is a study of intelligence that seeks to assess individual differences based on their sensory capacity. It also considers orientations and basic Psychological processes that are involved.
2. He established the concept of general intelligence
Spearman described general intelligence for the first time in 1904, and with this concept in hand, he focused on defining that this is responsible for the performance of the different tests of mental capacity.
Note: With this conceptualization, he focuses on the fact that intelligence is a general or global aptitude that will directly affect the successful results of the tests, which were essential for him.
3. Determine that general intelligence is measured by sensory discrimination
Sensory discrimination was proposed by Francis Galton in order to provide a mechanism that would allow the link between intelligence and heredity in the development of the nervous system. With this he wanted to study individual differences related to IQ.
Note: General intelligence is precisely what Spearman identified based on sensory discrimination.
4. Contributed to the development of the factor analysis technique
The factorial analysis technique consists of a statistical model that represents the relationship between sets of variables.
You should know: When talking about this technique, it is considered that it was Spearman who in his intelligence work distinguished to general factor factor (G factor) and a certain number of specific factors, which are the elements that structure this statistical tool.
In the work “Factor analysis as a technological research technique” (4) they mention that the initial model was proposed by Spearman and in fact they carry out examples and experiments based on their beginnings, where they seek to validate their theory.
5. It served as the basis for other studies on intelligence
Just like the development of the factor analysis technique, Spearman’s two-factor theory and his studies on intelligence and its types became the basis for many other researchers over time, undoubtedly highlighting the application of his coefficient of correlation. (5)
6. It forms the basis for psychometric tests
Considered the father of the Classical Test Theory, Spearman was the first to offer a sustainable conceptualization of intelligence with his psychometric tests,which make it possible to recognize the adequacy of candidate individuals when applied in any field of daily life. For example:
- Labor recruitment.
- Questionnaires.
- Evaluate an individual’s psyche.
- Skills assessment.
7. He had criticisms and arguments
Like any theory, it has its supporters and its critics. Thurstone(6) for example, considered that capacities are independent of each other, and that they are used only according to the nature of the problems to which individuals could be exposed.
What are the factors of Spearman’s two-factor theory?
As we previously mentioned, Spearman’s theory and intelligence is defined by two elements which are the g factor and the s factor. They will be described below to better understand what they are about.
1. General factor (G)
The overall factor is the G factor . It is a Component determined by General Intelligencetag. It is an eminently hereditary characteristic and is a specific property of thebrain that varies in each individual.
To highlight: This factor is unchangeable and the relevant skills are improved through Education and Learningtag. It is defined as the root of intelligence and is present in all phases of behavior carried out by a person.
In the work “The history of intelligence in relation to the elderly” “(7) , they explain the following: “This factor appeared as an element that explained most of the varianceof the results obtained by the subjects in the resolution of a series of tests and tests”.
2. Specific factors (S)
The specific factors are abilities or aptitudes that each person has to be able to carry out a certain activity. They vary depending on the education received and are not generalizable to other areas.
Note: They correspond to different abilities, such as numerical, linguistic, verbal, spatial, and musical abilities,among others. For the same reason they are also special factors.
Contributions of other authors on intelligence
The authors mentioned and described below are authors who significantly influenced the creation of the conceptualization of intelligence, with their studies, research, and contributions.
1. Howard Gardner
Born on July 11, 1943. Psychologist, researcher and professor at Harvard Universitytag. His contributions are structured according to theTheory of Multiple Intelligences , where it is stated that good academic performance is not a determinant of a person’s intelligence (8)tag. There is in fact for this study, the approach of eight differentTypes of intelligence :
- Linguistic intelligence .
- Mathematical logical intelligence .
- Spatial intelligence .
- Music Intelligence .
- Bodily and kinesthetic intelligence .
- Intrapersonal Intelligence .
- Interpersonal Intelligence .
- Naturalistic Intelligence .
2. Robert Sternberg
American psychologist born in 1949. Professor at Yale Universityand is directly linked to his research on intelligence. In fact, one of the most important to highlight is theTheory of successful intelligence. (9)
You should know: This theory is made up of the set of skills that are necessary to be able to achieve success in life,something that is definitely variable for each individual. The presence of this type of intelligence allows the recognition of weaknesses and strengths, developing the latter to the maximum.
3. Linda Gottfredson
Professor of psychology at the University of Delawaretag. She born in the year 1947 and she has a bachelor’s degree and doctorate in psychology. Her research papers and constant articles by her demonstrate her enthusiasm forintelligence and her understanding of it.
To highlight: A clear example is the article entitled: “Intelligence Predicts Health and Longevity, but Why?”, where he proves that intelligence in childhood can directly influence morbidity and mortality in adult life, including the potential to develop cardiovascular diseases or even cancer. (10)
4.Donald Hebb
Hebb D. was born in Nova Scotia in 1904 and is considered the Father of Biopsychologytag. He wrote a famous book entitled“The Organization of Behavior “ , where he shows how groups of neurons can initiate basic phenomena such as attention, perception and memory. (eleven)
Note: With his studies, he also exposes the stimulation and response of neuronal groups, where they are reinforced by activating a pattern of connections that are stored in memory, allowing them to reappear.
5. Wilhelm Wundt
He was born in Germany in 1832, a philosopher and psychologist considered the founder of experimental psychology. In fact, it is to his scientific spirit that the most brilliant achievements of modern psychology are due.
Important: He really considered the field of psychology to be essentialand developed the first laboratory dedicated to it, at least categorized and characterized in that way. He wanted to free psychology from philosophy.
6. Francis Galton
He was born in the year 1822 and was an explorer, inventor, meteorologist, psychologist and other things. He devoted most of his research to measuring human intelligence and his theory of intelligence went hand in hand with it being a genetic element.
With his studies and questionnaires, he determined that the average is, as in other aspects of life, a normal distribution of intelligence. The minority would be the exceptional cases of extreme values, either low or high. Knowing these characteristics allowed him to understand, respect and then express the individual differences that exist.
What is the importance of Spearman’s two-factor theory?
Its importance begins to be born in the influence it had for the development of different studies, which will better understand what intelligence is and what are the elements involved. The complexity and its importance lies in the fact that itallows an understanding and its applications about its usefulness in the contexts and the validity of its postulates.
You should know: This theory allowed the change of conception about the competences to which it is attributed and how the premise of the development of basic elements is directly related.
Key Findings
- Spearman’s two-factor theory follows the guidance of psychologist Francis Galton , from his interest in intelligence and the sensory capacities involved in the process.
- He also proposes a system where intelligence is divided into two factors , a general one (g) and a specific one (s).
- The general factor (g) is an eminently hereditary characteristic and is a specific property of the brain that varies in each individual.
- The specific factors (s) are abilities or aptitudes that each person has to be able to carry out a certain activity.
- This theory is important, since it influenced the development of different studies on human intelligence and the elements that intervene in it.
- Some of the scientists who contributed to these studieswere: Donald Hebb, Francis Galton, Robert Sternberg, Linda Gottfredson, among others.
University Professional in the area of Human Resources, Postgraduate in Occupational Health and Hygiene of the Work Environment, 14 years of experience in the area of health. Interested in topics of Psychology, Occupational Health, and General Medicine.