What is one application of factor analysis in intelligence testing?

One application of factor analysis in intelligence testing is to identify dimensions of performance. Factor analysis is a statistical method that helps researchers understand the relationships among various test scores by grouping them into underlying factors or dimensions. In the context of intelligence testing, this approach allows psychologists to ascertain the different components that contribute to general intelligence, often referred to as 'g' or general intelligence factor, and to explore more specific abilities, such as verbal or mathematical skills.

Through factor analysis, researchers can reveal how different cognitive abilities are interrelated and how they contribute to overall intellectual capacity. This analytical tool thus plays a crucial role in the development and validation of intelligence assessments by ensuring that they measure distinct constructs that can provide insightful information about an individual's cognitive capabilities.