Cattell-Horn-Carroll Theory of Intelligence

Cattell-Horn-Carroll Theory of Intelligence

Our work is derived from the Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory of intelligence (CHC Theory), the most researched and widely accepted theory of the composition of intellectual abilities. Briefly, research has consistently shown that intellectual functions can be clustered in eight different groups. In terms of learning, each of these abilities has a particular impact on the child’s ability to learn mathematics, to read, to write, etc. It then follows that we need to understand how the child performs in these areas in order to understand how he or she learns. Seven of the factors of intelligence listed in CHC theory are:

• Comprehension/knowledge intelligence (Gc) is a broad ability that involves an individual’s breadth and depth of general and cultural knowledge, verbal communication, and reasoning with previously learned procedures. In other words, language and what we have learned with language.
• Fluid intelligence/reasoning (Gf) refers to mental operations used primarily when individuals are faced with tasks that can not be performed automatically. In short, it is reasoning with stimuli that are new for us.
• Short-term memory (Gsm) is the ability to mentally hold information and then use this information within a few seconds. It is what we use to remember a short message, a telephone number, etc.
• Long-term storage and retrieval (Glr) refers to the ability to store information and fluently retrieve it later through association. It is the ability to memorize information and to retrieve it.
• Processing speed (Gs) refers to the ability quickly perform automatic, routine cognitive tasks, particularly when pressured to maintain focused concentration. It is the speed with which we process rote information.
• Visual processing (Gv) refers to the ability to analyze and synthesize visual stimuli. It is the ability to perceive and remember visual input.
• Auditory processing (Ga) refers to the ability to analyze and synthesize auditory stimuli. It involves perception of the individual sounds that form a language.