Final answer:
Charles Spearman proposed that intelligence is primarily composed of a general factor known as General intelligence (g), suggesting a single underlying intellectual capacity across different cognitive tasks.
Step-by-step explanation:
British psychologist Charles Spearman suggested that intelligence is comprised of a single, underlying intellectual capacity that he labeled General intelligence (g). Spearman's concept of g factor was grounded in the observation that performance on various cognitive tasks tends to be correlated, implying a common underlying skill set. Contrary to Spearman's view, other psychologists such as Raymond Cattell introduced the notion that intelligence includes distinct abilities, distinguishing between fluid intelligence, which involves the capacity to solve problems and adapt to new situations, and crystallized intelligence, which encompasses acquired knowledge and skills.
Accordingly, the correct answer to the student's question is: c) General intelligence (g).