The validity of the Cattel-Horn-Carroll model on the intraindividual approach

Abstract

The Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) model is considered the state-of-the-art of the psychometric tradition about intelligence. However, researchers of the dynamic systems field argue that the interindividual variation applied by psychometrics on intelligence field can produce inferences about the population but not about an individual. The present study investigated the validity of the CHC model at the level of the individual through the intraindividual approach. A dynamic factor analysis was employed in order to identify the factor structure of one individual scores on nine tests of the Higher-Order Cognitive Factor Battery, throughout 90 measurement occasions. Those tests measure, in the population level, three second order abilities and the general factor of the CHC model. Only the general intelligence factor was identified. Ultimately, the CHC model did not present validity to the assessed person. Implications for intelligence theories and measurement are discussed.