Review of Human Ability

Abstract

Reviews the book "Human Ability" by C. Spearman and L. W. Jones (see record 1950-05721-000 ). Factor analysis began with Spearman, and it is fitting that he should be honored for this. There is all the more reason for regretting that this last book of his was written. The book is sub-titled, "A Continuation of the Abilities of Man," and it is just this which makes the criticism so adverse. In fact "Human Ability" is little more than a restatement of the earlier work. Even the same quotations reappear. However, there is a fuller discussion of group factors included. Spearman deserves credit for attempting to give his factors more psychological meaning than do many others. He is not merely content to play with numbers; but this we knew before. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)