Examining the Contributions of L.L. Thurstone to Psychometrics and Measurement Theory in Psychology

L. L. Thurstone

proposed that intelligence consisted of 7 different primary mental abilities

L. L. Thurstone (Louis Leon Thurstone) was an American psychologist who is best known for his contributions to the field of psychometrics, which is the scientific study of psychological measurement. Thurstone is widely recognized for the development of several important theories and techniques that have significantly impacted psychology and related fields.

Some of Thurstone’s most notable contributions include:

1. Multiple Factor Theory: Thurstone proposed that intelligence is not a single, unitary construct, but rather a collection of distinct mental abilities that can be measured separately. According to his Multiple Factor Theory, intelligence is best understood as a composite of seven primary mental abilities: verbal comprehension, word fluency, spatial visualization, perceptual speed, numerical ability, reasoning, and memory. This theory has been influential in the development of modern intelligence tests.

2. Thurstone Scale: Thurstone developed a method for measuring attitudes, opinions, and other subjective constructs using a series of statements that are rank-ordered by respondents. This technique provides a more nuanced and accurate measurement of attitudes than other methods such as binary (yes/no) response formats.

3. Law of Comparative Judgment: Thurstone developed a method for comparing pairs of objects to determine their relative order on a certain dimension. The Law of Comparative Judgment states that the perceived difference in values between two objects is proportional to the difference in their actual values.

Overall, Thurstone’s work has had a lasting impact on the field of psychology and his contributions to psychometrics and measurement theory have helped to establish many of the foundational concepts that are still used today.

More Answers: