What did L. L. Thurstone identify as primary intellectual abilities?

Study for the AP Psychology Intelligence Test with flashcards and multiple choice questions. Get hints and explanations for each question. Prepare effectively and boost your confidence for the exam day!

L. L. Thurstone conducted extensive research on intelligence and proposed the idea of multiple primary abilities rather than a single general intelligence factor. He identified seven distinct primary mental abilities that he believed contribute to a person's intellectual capabilities. Among these abilities were numerical ability, verbal fluency, and reasoning.

Numerical ability refers to the capacity to work with numerical concepts and perform calculations, while verbal fluency pertains to the ease and effectiveness with which one can express ideas using language. Reasoning involves the ability to analyze information, solve problems, and make judgments based on available data. This categorization emphasizes a more nuanced view of intelligence and highlights that individuals can excel in different areas independent of one another.

Thurstone's work laid the foundation for further exploration into the complexity of human intelligence beyond the confines of the traditional IQ measure, underscoring that intelligence encompasses a diverse range of skills.

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