The "g factor," or general intelligence factor, is a concept in psychology that represents the common cognitive abilities shared across various mental tasks. It suggests that individuals who perform well in one area of intelligence, such as verbal reasoning, are likely to excel in other areas, like mathematical skills. This idea was first introduced by psychologist Charles Spearman in the early 20th century. Research indicates that the g factor is a strong predictor of academic and professional success. It is measured through standardized tests that assess different cognitive abilities, providing a single score that reflects overall intelligence. The g factor has been influential in understanding human intelligence and its implications in education and psychology.