The problem is in the definition: G and intelligence in I-O psychology

Comments on an article by C. A. Scherbaum et al. (see record 2012-12566-002). Scherbaum et al. have aptly noted many challenges facing industrial–organizational (I-O) psychology in the consideration of modern research on intelligence. Yet, the source of the problems they identified is present in the title and first line of their abstract. Namely, the implication that “intelligence” is the same thing as “g” or “general mental ability.” As noted by the authors, g is typically considered to represent the source of common variance among ability measures. In addition to examining the contributions of other areas of psychology to the study of intelligence, we implore I-O psychologists to study the rich history of applied research in intelligence and intellectual abilities that took place before validity generalization effectively put an end to new sources of inquiry. Intelligence assessment and applications have a rich history in I-O psychology since the early part of the twentieth century, and there remains much progress that can be made by considering where the field has been in moving forward. Finally, do not be afraid to try something new. Aspects of I-O psychology are much like engineering. One can derive a satisficing solution to many engineering problems by referring to extant textbook knowledge, but this is not the source of innovation or notable progress.