Final answer:
The general intelligence theory proposes that intelligence is one basic trait underlying all cognitive abilities. The Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory arranges cognitive abilities in a hierarchical structure. The role of genetics and environmental influences on intelligence is subject to debate and research.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea that intelligence is one basic trait that underlies all cognitive abilities is known as the general intelligence theory. This theory was proposed by British psychologist Charles Spearman, who believed that intelligence can be measured by a single factor called g.
According to the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory of cognitive abilities, intelligence is arranged in a hierarchy with general abilities at the top, broad abilities in the middle, and specific abilities at the bottom. The general level includes general intelligence, while the broad level consists of abilities like fluid reasoning and short-term memory. The specific level includes narrower cognitive abilities like memory span and working memory capacity.
This topic of intelligence has been a subject of debate and research, with some psychologists emphasizing the role of genetics, while others argue for the importance of environmental influences on cognitive abilities.