---
title: "Thurstone's Primary Mental Abilities — AP Psych Definition"
description: "Thurstone's theory splits intelligence into 7 independent abilities instead of one g factor. Learn the 7 abilities and how Topic 5.9 tests this on AP Psych."
canonical: "https://fiveable.me/ap-psych-revised/key-terms/louis-l-thurstones-primary-mental-abilities-theory"
type: "key-term"
subject: "AP Psychology"
---

# Thurstone's Primary Mental Abilities — AP Psych Definition

## Definition

Thurstone's theory suggests that intelligence is composed of seven primary mental abilities: verbal comprehension, word fluency, number facility, spatial visualization, associative memory, perceptual speed, and reasoning. These abilities are independent of each other.

## Review

### Related Terms

- Factor analysis: a statistical technique used to identify and measure underlying factors or dimensions within a set of variables.
- G factor: proposed by Charles Spearman, it refers to the general intelligence factor influencing performance across different cognitive tasks.
- Fluid intelligence: the ability to think logically and solve problems in novel situations without relying on prior knowledge.