Assessing individual differences in knowledge: Knowledge, intelligence, and related traits

Twenty academic knowledge tests were developed to locate domain knowledge w ithin a nomological network of traits. Spatial, numerical, and verbal aptit ude measures and personality and interest measures were administered to 141 undergraduates. Domain knowledge factored along curricular lines; a genera l knowledge factor accounted for about half of knowledge variance. Domain k nowledge exhibited positive relations with general intelligence (g), verbal abilities after g was removed, Openness, Typical Intellectual engagement, and specific vocational interests. Spatial and numerical abilities were unr elated to knowledge beyond g. Extraversion related negatively to all knowle dge domains. Results provide broad support for R. B. Cattell's (1971/1987) crystallized intelligence as something more than verbal abilities and speci fic support for P. L. Ackerman's (1996) intelligence-as-process, personalit y, interests, and intelligence-as-knowledge theory of adult intelligence.