- The Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory merges Raymond Cattell and John Horn's fluid-crystallized model with John Carroll's three-stratum theory.
- At the top sits general intelligence (g).
- They include fluid reasoning (Gf), comprehension-knowledge or crystallized intelligence (Gc), short-term and working memory (Gsm), long-term retrieval (Glr), visual processing (Gv), auditory processing (Ga), processing speed (Gs) and others.
- It provides the blueprint for major modern test batteries, helping align what tests measure with established theory.
What is the CHC model?
The Cattell-Horn-Carroll theory merges Raymond Cattell and John Horn's fluid-crystallized model with John Carroll's three-stratum theory. It organises cognitive abilities into a hierarchy and is the most widely accepted modern framework for human intelligence.
What are the three strata?
At the top sits general intelligence (g). Below it lie around ten broad abilities, and beneath those sit dozens of narrow, specific abilities. The structure reconciles the existence of a general factor with clear, distinguishable kinds of ability.
What are the broad abilities?
They include fluid reasoning (Gf), comprehension-knowledge or crystallized intelligence (Gc), short-term and working memory (Gsm), long-term retrieval (Glr), visual processing (Gv), auditory processing (Ga), processing speed (Gs) and others. The exact list has been refined over time as research accumulates.
Why does CHC matter?
It provides the blueprint for major modern test batteries, helping align what tests measure with established theory. By covering several broad abilities, it supports a profile of strengths and weaknesses rather than a single number.