Final answer:
The concept of generalized intelligence is largely based on the theories of Charles Spearman, who introduced the general intelligence factor known as 'g'.
Step-by-step explanation:
The concept of generalized intelligence is largely based on the theories of B. Spearman. Charles Spearman was a British psychologist who proposed the idea of a general intelligence factor, known as g. This factor was thought to underlie all cognitive abilities, meaning that individuals with higher general intelligence would perform better across various cognitive tasks. Spearman's theory emphasized the commonalities among different intellectual abilities rather than the unique aspects of each.
In contrast, Howard Gardner proposed the Multiple Intelligences Theory, suggesting that intelligence is not a single general ability but a combination of multiple, independent intelligences. Other notable theories include Robert Sternberg's triarchic theory of intelligence, and the Cattell-Horn-Carroll (CHC) theory, which is a hierarchical model of cognitive abilities.