In contrast to Guilford's Structure of Intellect Model and Gardner's Theory of Multiple Intelligences, a detailed analysis of Louis Thurstone's Theory of Primary Mental Abilities reveals that, based on factor analysis, into how many independent primary components did Thurstone classify intelligence, and what was the most prominent methodological feature of his model?

Understanding Thurstone's Theory

Louis Thurstone used statistical methods of factor analysis to challenge Spearman's concept of a single 'g-factor' and propounded the Theory of Primary Mental Abilities.

• Core Concept: Intelligence is not governed by a single general factor.
• Primary Abilities: He identified 7 distinct primary mental abilities such as verbal comprehension, spatial visualization, numerical ability, and word fluency.

For more detailed study, you can refer to academic resources on intelligence theories.