An Investigation of the Higher-Order Symbolic Factors of Cognition and Convergent Production within the Structure of Intellect Model

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the existence of higher-order factors within the cognition and convergent production operations and the products dimensions of the structure-of-intellect model (Guilford, 1967, 1977, 1980). From the original data presented by Guilford, Merrifield, Christensen, and Frick (1960) on a sample of 240 Aviation Officer Candidates and Naval Air Cadets, an intercorrelation matrix of the 24 tests designed to measure symbolic factors of cognition and convergent production was reanalyzed using the method of maximum likelihood confirmatory factor analysis via LISREL. Results indicated that for tests of symbolic content with varying products the distinction between higher-order cognition and convergent production factors was not compelling. In tests of symbolic cognition, models including the form of product afforded a superior fit over models without this inclusion. However, the higher intercorrelations among the product factors suggested that only two higher-order product factors are involved—a units factor and a non-units factor. Finally, strong evidence for a third-order symbolic factor was obtained.