Some evidence for the existence of a general factor of semantic memory andits components

This paper is concerned with the issues of the factorial structure of long- term semantic memory, with what are the major domains of long-term memories for different kinds of information and knowledge, and whether these are po sitively intercorrelated to form a general factor of long-term semantic mem ory. The methodology of the study consisted of the construction of a test o f general knowledge, which endeavoured to cover all major areas or domains of general knowledge in western cultures. This was administered to 509 fema les and 209 males, mean age 20.9 years, most of whom (638) were undergradua te students. Nineteen measures conforming to primary domains of general kno wledge were subjected to confirmatory factor analyses, using LISREL 8.30. A model with six first-order factors (Physical Health and Recreation, Curren t Affairs, Fashion, Family, Arts and Science) showed a good fit to the data (SRMR=0.047). In a subsequent higher-order factor analysis, the six first- order factors loaded substantially (range 0.54-0.90) on a single second-ord er factor (SRMR=0.050). Thus, all domains of general knowledge tested in th e study were positively intercorrelated and explicable in terms of a strong general factor of long-term semantic memory ability. The six first-order f actors are probably expressions of interests. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd . All rights reserved.