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The Primary Mental Abilities

PREPARED BY:
BALMES. HAZEL M.
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What is
Intelligence?
Psychologist Robert Sternberg defined intelligence as “the
mental abilities necessary for adaptation to, as well as
shaping and selection of, any environmental context.
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➢ Proposed his multi-factor theory of intelligence in 1938.

➢ He stated that every individual possesses different levels of seven
primary mental abilities.
➢ He pointed out that there were SEVEN PRIMARY MENTAL ABILITIES
and latter on added two more ( deductive reasoning &problem-solving
ability factor).

LOUIS LEON THURSTONE (1887-1955)

SEVEN PRIMARY MENTAL ABILITIES OF
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THURSTONE’S INTELLIGENCE THEORY
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1. The Numerical Factor

The ability of an individual to do quick

and accurate numerical computations.
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2. The Verbal Factor

It refers to the ability of the person to understand and

use various words, sentences, language, or other
verbal content pieces.
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3. The Space Factor

It refers to the spatial visualization

of the person. This ability comes into
play when the person tries to
understand the manipulation of
various real/imaginary objects in
space.
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4. The Memory Factor

It refers to the ability of the person to

quickly memorize the various longer
period of time.
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5. The Verbal Fluency Factor

This factor is responsible for the

communication skills of the person.
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6. The Inductive Reasoning Factor

This ability is measured through various tests

like number series, word series, and
classification of words or numbers. The
inductive reasoning tests may involve
selecting an appropriate number or image
according to the sequential order of the given
numbers or images series.
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7. The Perceptual Speed Factor

The ability of a person to rapidly

recognize and compare the specific
images, numbers, or letters, and to
accurately proofread various types of
content.
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8. The Deductive Reasoning Factor

It involves the ability to accurately

understand a specific phenomenon
or concept from the generalized
principle.
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9. The Problem-Solving Ability Factor

refers to the ability of a person to solve

various general or aptitude problems.
This factor can be assessed by
analyzing the individual’s responses to
various hypothetical problems, and their
ability to reach the conclusion.
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SIGNIFICANCE AND EDUCATIONAL IMPLICATION OF

THURSTONE’S THEORY
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Conclusion
Primary mental abilities are a core concept in cognitive psychology, providing a
framework for understanding the diverse aspects of cognitive functioning. Despite
evolving theories, Thurstone’s work continues to influence how we understand,
assess, and leverage mental abilities in education, work, and beyond.
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REFERENCES

Thurstone’s Multiple Factor Theory (P.M.A.) Explained – StudiousGuy

What is Primary Mental Abilities? | A Simplified Psychology Guide
Theories Of Intelligence In Psychology (simplypsychology.org)
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SO MUCH