Thomson may be regarded as the "link man". Like many of the psychologists on our site, he started his career in another field -- mathematical physics. Interest in mathematics allowed Thomson to appreciate and criticize Spearman's interpretation of intelligence as a single entity. Influenced by Thorndike's "connections", Thomson proposed that cognitive ability depended on the richness of "bonds" represented as the "mind". Such a system suggests that certain tasks call on one set of "bonds", while others place demands on alternative, but overlapping sets of "bonds".This overlapping effect would explain the positive manifold effect without recourse to an overall mental energy (i.e., Spearman's "g").Thomson's "linking status" does not end here. He represents, in some ways, the connection between Thorndike and Lashley's behaviorist investigations and Binet's attempt to provide better education for children.

Unlike Binet, however, Thomson tried to ensure that gifted children received special attention to reach their full potential.