Final answer:
Intelligence is either viewed as a single general factor known as 'g' according to Charles Spearman's theory, or as a collection of multiple distinct abilities as suggested by Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory and Raymond Cattell's GF-GC theory. While Gardner's theory lacks empirical evidence and is subject to criticism, there is psychometric support for Cattell's theory, which distinguishes between crystallized and fluid intelligence.
Step-by-step explanation:
Single Factor Theory of Intelligence
The single factor theory, proposed by British psychologist Charles Spearman, suggests that intelligence is a single general factor, known as g. According to Spearman, the g factor represents a core of general intelligence that influences performance on all cognitive tasks.
Multiple Factor Theories of Intelligence
Contrary to the single factor theory, multiple factor theories assert that intelligence is comprised of various distinct abilities. Howard Gardner's Multiple Intelligences Theory posits that there are at least eight different intelligences, such as linguistic, logical-mathematical, and spatial abilities. Another prominent theory is the GF-GC theory by Raymond Cattell, which divides intelligence into crystallized intelligence (knowledge and the ability to retrieve it) and fluid intelligence (ability to see complex relationships and solve problems).
Evidence for Multiple Theories of Intelligence
Evidence for these theories comes from various research studies and psychometric analyses. Gardner's theory, while popular in educational settings, has been criticized for its lack of empirical evidence. In contrast, Cattell's GF-GC theory is supported by psychometric research indicating distinct cognitive domains that contribute to overall intelligence.