Write a short note on Thurstone’s Primary mental abilities.

Thurstone's Primary Mental Abilities is a theory proposed by psychologist Louis Leon Thurstone in the early 20th century. Thurstone rejected the notion of a single, general intelligence factor (as proposed by Spearman's g-factor theory) and instead proposed that intelligence consists of multiple distinct abilities, which he called "primary mental abilities." These abilities are relatively independent of each other and collectively account for an individual's overall cognitive functioning.

Thurstone identified seven primary mental abilities:

1. Verbal Comprehension: The ability to understand and use language effectively, including vocabulary, comprehension, and verbal reasoning.
2. Word Fluency: The ability to generate words or ideas quickly and fluently, often measured by tasks such as naming as many words as possible within a certain category or starting with a specific letter.
3. Numerical Ability: The proficiency in working with numbers and mathematical concepts, including basic arithmetic, numerical reasoning, and problem-solving.
4. Spatial Visualization: The capacity to mentally manipulate and perceive spatial relationships, shapes, and figures, crucial for tasks such as navigation, geometry, and engineering.
5. Memory: The ability to retain and recall information over time, encompassing both short-term and long-term memory processes.
6. Inductive Reasoning: The skill of identifying patterns, making logical deductions, and drawing conclusions based on observed evidence or premises.
7. Perceptual Speed: The speed and accuracy in processing visual stimuli and making rapid decisions or judgments, often assessed through tasks involving visual scanning or identification.

Thurstone's model challenged the unitary view of intelligence and provided a more nuanced understanding of cognitive abilities. His primary mental abilities framework influenced subsequent research in intelligence testing, cognitive psychology, and educational assessment, contributing to the development of diverse measures of intellectual functioning. While some modern theories have integrated aspects of Thurstone's model, the concept of multiple, distinct mental abilities remains a foundational concept in the study of human intelligence.