Correct Answer - Option 3 : Number factor
There are many theories related to intelligence. These theories are propounded by eminent psychologists to provide a framework to understand different aspects of human intelligence.
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L. L. Thurstone has propounded ‘Primary Mental Abilities / Group Factor Theory’, he believed that certain mental operations have a primary factor differentiating them from other mental operations.
- The theory emphasizes that intelligence is not a general or specific factor rather a combination of seven different primary mental abilities which includes spatial, perceptual, numerical, verbal, etc.
- In other words, there are a number of groups of mental abilities, each of which has its own primary factor, giving the group functional unity and cohesiveness. Each of these primary factors is said to be relatively independent of the others.
Thurstone has given the following seven primary factors:
- The Number Factor (N) refers to the ability to do rapid and accurate numerical calculations.
- The Verbal Factor (V) refers to the ability of verbal comprehension.
- The Space Factor (S) is involved in a task requiring the manipulation of the imaginary objects in space.
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Memory (M) involves the ability to memorize quickly.
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Word Fluency (W) refers to the ability to think of isolated words at a rapid rate.
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Reasoning (R) refers to the ability to discover a rule or principle involved in a series or groups of letters.
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Perceptual Speed (P) is the ability to note visual details rapidly.
Hence, we conclude that the number factors of 'primary mental ability' enables the individual to do numerical calculations rapidly and accurately.
