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A Note on Schonemann's Refutation of Spearman's Hypothesis
Multivariate Behavioral Research
|January 14, 2016
Summary
Spearman's hypothesis, regarding cognitive ability differences, is supported. A previous refutation claiming a statistical artifact in principal component analysis is demonstrated to be incorrect, reinforcing the hypothesis.
Area of Science:
- Psychometrics
- Cognitive Science
- Behavioral Genetics
Background:
- Spearman's hypothesis posits a positive correlation between standardized black-white mean differences on cognitive tests and their loadings on general cognitive ability.
- Schonemann (1992) proposed that this relationship arises from a statistical artifact within principal component analysis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate Schonemann's (1992) refutation of Spearman's hypothesis.
- To demonstrate the incorrectness of Schonemann's artifact claim.
Main Methods:
- Re-analysis of the statistical underpinnings of Schonemann's (1992) argument.
- Examination of principal component analysis in the context of group differences and factor loadings.
Main Results:
- Schonemann's (1992) claim that the observed relationship is a statistical artifact is shown to be mathematically unsound.
- The original findings supporting Spearman's hypothesis remain valid.
Conclusions:
- Schonemann's (1992) refutation of Spearman's hypothesis is incorrect.
- The positive relationship between cognitive test differences and general cognitive ability loadings is not attributable to a statistical artifact.
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