L.L. Thurstone was an influential American psychologist known for his work in psychometrics and the development of scaling techniques, particularly the Thurstone scale. His contributions significantly advanced the measurement of attitudes, abilities, and personality traits, establishing a systematic approach to quantifying subjective opinions and beliefs.
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Thurstone introduced the concept of 'equal-appearing intervals' in attitude measurement, allowing researchers to create scales where distances between points are perceived as equal by respondents.
He was a proponent of multiple-factor theory, arguing that intelligence is composed of several distinct abilities rather than a single general intelligence factor.
Thurstone developed the Law of Comparative Judgment, which is a basis for understanding how people evaluate stimuli based on relative preferences.
His work laid the groundwork for later developments in survey research and public opinion polling by providing methodologies for reliable scale creation.
Thurstone's approaches to measurement influenced various fields beyond psychology, including marketing research and education assessment.
Review Questions
How did L.L. Thurstone's work on psychometrics influence modern methods of attitude measurement?
L.L. Thurstone's contributions to psychometrics introduced systematic techniques for measuring attitudes, particularly through the development of the Thurstone scale. His emphasis on 'equal-appearing intervals' allowed researchers to create scales that reflect consistent perceptions among respondents. This approach has paved the way for accurate and reliable measurements in various fields such as social sciences, marketing, and public opinion research.
What are the implications of Thurstone's multiple-factor theory for understanding human intelligence?
Thurstone's multiple-factor theory challenged the notion of a single general intelligence factor by proposing that intelligence consists of several distinct abilities. This perspective has significant implications for educational assessment and cognitive psychology, as it encourages a more nuanced view of individual strengths and weaknesses in various cognitive domains. Understanding intelligence in this way allows educators and psychologists to tailor interventions that address specific abilities rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all approach.
Evaluate the impact of Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment on contemporary survey research methodologies.
Thurstone's Law of Comparative Judgment has profoundly influenced contemporary survey research methodologies by providing a framework for how individuals evaluate and rank stimuli based on their preferences. This concept has led to sophisticated scaling techniques that enable researchers to quantify subjective opinions accurately. By applying these principles, modern surveys can capture nuanced public sentiments and attitudes, allowing for richer analysis and insights into consumer behavior, political opinions, and social trends.
Related terms
Psychometrics: The field of study concerned with the theory and technique of psychological measurement, including the development of assessments and scales to quantify mental attributes.
A method of measuring attitudes that involves presenting respondents with a set of statements about a topic, allowing them to express their level of agreement or disagreement.
A statistical method used to identify underlying relationships between variables, commonly employed in psychology to reduce data complexity and uncover latent constructs.