 |
This article may require cleanup to meet Wikipedia's quality standards. Please improve this article if you can. (May 2007) |
In 1993 John Carroll (1916 - 2003) published "Human cognitive abilities: A survey of factor-analytic studies", which outlined his hierarchical, Three-Stratum Theory of cognitive abilities. The theory is based on a factor analytic study of correlation of individual differences variables from measures including psychological tests, school marks, and competence ratings. The factor analysis suggests three layers or strata, with each layer attempting to account for the variation in factor loadings at the next lower level. Thus, the three strata are defined as representing narrow, broad, and general cognitive ability.
General ( Stratum III ) : General intelligence factor
Broad ( Stratum II ) : fluid intelligence, crystallised intelligence, general memory and learning, broad visual perception, broad auditory perception, broad retrieval ability, broad cognitive speediness and processing speed.
Narrow ( Stratum I ) : 69 narrow abilities, each related to a specific Stratum II domain.
Carroll argues that factors are not mere artifacts of a mathematical process. The factors do describe stable and observable differences among individuals in the performance of tasks. The existence of physiological explanations for the differences in ability (e.g., muscle firing rates) does nothing to limit the effectiveness of factors in accounting for behavioral differences.
Carroll proposes a taxonomic dimension in the distinction between level factors and speed factors. The tasks that contribute to the identification or level factors can be sorted by difficulty and individuals differentiated by whether they have acquired the skill to perform the tasks. Tasks that contribute to speed factors are distinguished by the relative speed with which individuals can complete them. Carroll suggests that the distinction between level and speed factors may be the broadest taxonomy of cognitive tasks that can be offered. Carroll distinguishes his hierarchical approach from taxonomic approaches such as Guilford’s Structure of Intellect model (three-dimensional model with contents, operations, and products).
See also
Wikipedia content modification information:
- This page was last modified on 8 March 2008, at 20:43.
Wikipedia Authorship and Review
Wikipedia content provided here is not reviewed directly by PediaView.com. Wikipedia content is authored by an open community of volunteers and is not produced by or in any way affiliated with PediaView.com.
Wikipedia Usage Guidelines
This article is licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License. It uses material from the Wikipedia article on "Three Stratum Theory".
The URL for this specific entry is:
All Wikipedia text is available under the terms of the GNU Free Documentation License. (See Copyrights for details). Wikipedia® is a registered trademark of the Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.