A Note on Schonemann's Refutation of Spearman's Hypothesis

Multivariate Behav Res. 1997 Jul 1;32(3):319-25. doi: 10.1207/s15327906mbr3203_4.

Abstract

Spearman's hypothesis states that there is a positive relationship between the standardized black-white differences in means on cognitive tests and the loadings (of these tests on the general common factor identified as general cognitive ability. Schonemann (1992) claims to demonstrate that, within an analysis of principal components, this relationship is ascribable to a statistical artifact. In the present note, Schonemann's refutation is shown to be incorrect.