In this article, we will learn about Thurstone’s multiple intelligence theory. Intelligence is defined as a combination of mental capabilities and competencies that include the following abilities:
- To learn from experiences
- Apply the knowledge gained from experiences
- Formulate new understandings
- Solve novel problems
Researchers working in the field of intelligence have come up with many theories and models to explain intelligence. Spearman’s general factor intelligence (g) was very popular. Thurstone, however, argued that human intelligence is too complex to be captured by one single factor. Instead, there need to be multiple factors to describe intelligence. His efforts resulted in the development of the multiple intelligences.
7 Multiple Intelligence
Thurstone proposed seven components of intelligence. These components are called primary mental abilities (PMAs). Thurstone’s multiple intelligence theory has the following components:
Verbal Comprehension
Verbal comprehension is the ability to understand words. It also includes the ability to understand conversations. Thurstone claims that it is one of the primary cognitive skills in humans. In fact it is so important that researchers have claimed that other factors of intelligence are affected by the levels of verbal comprehension.
Verbal comprehension is very crucial in organizations too. For instance, an employee needs to understand what other co-workers and supervisors are saying. Any shortcoming in this ability is likely to lead to major lapses in communication and conflict among employees. Further it is likely to affect productivity too.
Word Fluency
Word fluency is the ability to produce and categorize words and make good conversation spontaneously. It is also a higher order cognitive skills. However, in the level of importance it comes after verbal comprehension.
In the workplace context, word fluency impacts an employee’s ability to communicate his or her ideas, make presentations to clients, produce an excellent sales pitch, convince customers to make a purchase decision and many more. Sales employees need to have very high levels of word fluency.
Numeric Ability
It is the ability to use numbers logically and rationally. Numeric ability is all about how fast and correctly a person deals with numbers and solves problems with numbers. Calculations form the core of this ability. Just like verbal comprehension, this too is a crucial cognitive skill. Therefore, it greatly influences other components of intelligence.
Numerical ability is extremely important in the workplace. Good numeric ability allows employees to make rational and logical evaluations. Further, in today’s age of digital transformation, jobs like data analysis and artificial intelligence have become very popular. Such jobs require good numerical ability. Therefore, having good numerical ability significantly increases employability.
Spatial Relations
This represents the ability to visualize relations. Spatial relations specify how one object in space is located with respect to some other object.
It is important in the workplace because employees with high spatial intelligence are able to connect the dots in new and abstract situations. Thus, they are excellent problem-solvers and out-of-the box thinkers.
Perceptual Speed
Perceptual speed defines how rapidly one can spot similarities and differences in objects. It is important in concept formation. Since concept formation is very important in problem-solving, individuals with high perceptual speed are good problem-solvers.
Employees with good perceptual speed are fast in grasping new and novel solutions. Hence they do not find it difficult to adapt to new technologies and methodologies in work. In addition, they are excellent initiators and adapters of organizational change.
Associative Memory
Associative memory is nothing but the ability to memorize things and recall them later. It is similar to rote learning. However, having a good memory is always a boon. It potentially speeds up information processing time. In addition, it give individuals a strong blueprint of many past events and how to deal with them.
Employees with good associative memory are good at remembering past work experiences. Therefore, they carry organizational “wisdom”. Certain jobs like secretaries require higher amount of this skill. Many professions like doctors, lawyers need to remember a lot of information. Hence, associative memory is an important intelligence for professional success.
Inductive Reasoning
Inductive reasoning is the ability to find rules. It involves drawing conclusions from a specific set of observations. Individuals with high inductive reasoning skills are excellent with numbers. They are very logical and can make excellent generalizations based on data points.
Careers like data scientists require high amount of inductive reasoning. Other engineering and scientific professions also require high amounts of this form of intelligence.
Conclusion
In sum, according to Thurstone’s multiple intelligence theory, intelligence is a sum of various components. However, the multiple factors are somewhat co-related with each other. Therefore, intelligence is more like a hierarchical structure. Future theories of intelligence (after Thurstone) have taken that into account. You may find Guilford’s structure of intelligence useful.