General and specific factor theory was propounded by

Q. General and specific factor theory was propounded by 

A. Alfred Binet
B. Guilford
C. Spearman
D. Thurstone

Answer: Spearman

Two-Factor Theory of Intelligence

Charles Spearman developed his two-factor theory of intelligence using factor analysis. His research not only led him to develop the concept of the g factor of general intelligence, but also the s factor of specific intellectual abilities. L. L. Thurstone, Howard Gardner, and Robert Sternberg also researched the structure of intelligence, and in analyzing their data, concluded that a single underlying factor was influencing the general intelligence of individuals. However, Spearman was criticized in 1916 by Godfrey Thomson, who claimed that the evidence was not as crucial as it seemed. Modern research is still expanding this theory by investigating Spearman's law of diminishing returns and adding connected concepts to the research.

Charles Spearman advanced Two-Factor Theory of intelligence in 1927. It was a theory of trait organization based on the statistical analysis of test scores. Spearman pointed out that all intellectual activities have a single common factor called the general factor or "g" factor. Again he advanced a number of specific or "s" factors. Each of the s-factors refers to a specific single activity. He explored statistically the interrelations among scores obtained by many persons on various tests. Positive correlation between any two mental functions was attributed to "g" factor. But the specific factors have low correlations among them.