Which of the following best characterizes psychometric approaches to intelligence?

• A. They emphasize measuring intelligence through factor analysis and standardized tests.
• B. They deny any quantitative measurement of intelligence.
• C. They focus on qualitative descriptions of problem solving only.
• D. They base intelligence on emotional connections exclusively.

Answer: (A)

Psychometric approaches to intelligence frame it as a measurable construct obtained through standardized testing and statistical analysis. They rely on administering uniform tests, scoring responses, and using normative data to interpret results, with factor analysis often used to identify underlying abilities and the general intelligence factor (g) alongside specific skills. This emphasis on quantitative data, reliability, validity, and norm-referenced scoring is what distinguishes psychometric approaches.

Denying quantitative measurement, focusing only on qualitative problem-solving descriptions, or defining intelligence strictly by emotional connections would move away from this measurement-centered tradition and point to other theoretical perspectives or constructs.