The cold equations: Spearman and Wilson on factor indeterminacy

Abstract

In 1928, the American mathematician E.B. Wilson had the ammunition to kill off Charles Spearman's two‐factor theory of mental ability — at least according to certain recent commentators. In their view, the two‐factor theory, and indeed factor analysis as a general technique, was dealt the coup de grâce by Wilson's demonstration of the indeterminacy of the factor solution and only survived by, in effect, denying the problem. However, a rather different story emerges of the ensuing interchange between Spearman and Wilson when we examine not just the public record but unpublished correspondence between the two principals and with other interested parties. We have, thus, been able to paint a richer and more historically complete picture of the Spearman‐Wilson episode than previous chronicles have achieved. In addition, we argue that the spirit in which their protracted interchange was conducted illustrates the socially negotiated nature of science.

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