The abilities of man : their nature and measurement / by C. Spearman.

  • Charles Spearman
Date:
1927
Catalogue details

Licence: In copyright

Credit: The abilities of man : their nature and measurement / by C. Spearman. Source: Wellcome Collection.

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    truth in the statement that ability to cognize is really the same thing as ability to attend ? Yet again, the present topic gives occasion to discuss the often advocated doctrine, that the intelligence of different individuals varies not only in quantity but also in quality. Is it true that one person is “ profound,” another “ original,” whilst a third possesses “ common sense,” and so forth ? INFLUENCE OF EFFORT “Physiological limit” of operation. Turning to the available definite facts bearing on the matter, we may begin with the most fundamental question of all. How great is the influence exercised upon a person’s cognitive operations by the intensity of the effort he makes ? This question probes very deeply indeed ; it is almost equivalent to sug¬ gesting that perhaps the g may really be not of cognitive nature, but conative only. For both theory and practice, such a conclusion would be revolutionary. Among the reported facts bearing on this question may be counted some experiments where persons even after life¬ long practice at some operation, have nevertheless, on a sufficiently strong motive being supplied, surpassed what had previously been regarded as their ultimate “ physio¬ logical limit.” A typical instance is afforded by the research of Aschaf- fenburg, who made four thoroughly experienced type-setters work under his supervision for ij hours on four successive days. The average number of letters and spaces set by them in the first quarter of an hour each day showed a continual improvement, as follows : Day. Number set. 1 575 2 593 3 633 4 675 Thus, in spite of previous practice for many years, the type-setters still continue to make large further improve-
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