Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                

Aptitude Assignment

Download as docx, pdf, or txt
Download as docx, pdf, or txt
You are on page 1of 4

Aptitude & Aptitude Measurements

What is meant by Aptitude?


The most appropriate explanation of aptitude is given by Bingham, which is included in
Warren’s Dictionary of psychology. He defines aptitude as;
“A condition or set of characteristics regarded as symptomatic of an individual’s ability
to acquire with training some (usually specified) knowledge, skill or set of responses,
such as ability to speak a language, to produce music …”
It is also defined in the Dictionary of Education as;
“Pronounced innate capacity for or ability in a given line of endeavour such as a
particular art, school subject or vocation.”

Van Dusen has defined the term in a rather strict manner.

“Aptitude is a measure of the probable rate of learning which results in interest and
satisfaction and is relatively specific and narrow.”

In Simple language and terminology, Aptitude means:

 Aptitude is symptomatic or indicative of one’s potentialities.


 It is an understanding of one’s aptitude helps us to know what he can do in the future.
 It is combination of both inborn capacities and developed abilities and skills etc.
 Aptitude can be developed by practice and training.
 It is considered to be unique or unusual potential of an individual.

For instance : Teaching aptitude depends upon not only high scholastic ability, high interest
in teaching, but also some personality traits which are wanted in a teacher. Every person with
high measure of scientific ability cannot prove to be a good doctor unless he possesses some
further traits like perseverance, sociability, love of humanity, dexterity of fingers to perform
an operation etc.

Aptitude Measurement:
Aptitude can be measured through different evidences. A number of aptitude tests have been
developed. Apart from general aptitude batteries, aptitude tests in special areas, aptitude tests
for different professions and tests of artistic aptitude are now available.

Aptitude test can be broadly categorized under two heads:

1. Differential Aptitude Test Battery


2. Special Aptitude Tests.

1. Differential Aptitude Test Battery

This is a comprehensive and carefully developed Battery. It has been developed by George K.
Bennett, Harold G. seashore and Alexander G. Wesman. It was developed principally for its
use in educational and vocational counselling of high school students.

It was designed for grades 8 through 12. The Battery consists of 7 subtests. These subtests
are:

i. Verbal reasoning test,


ii. Numerical ability test,
iii. Space relations tests,
iv. Mechanical reasoning test
v. Clerical speed and accuracy test
vi. Language usage test

2. Special Aptitude Tests

We shall discuss the different Special Aptitude Tests in regard with the various Categories:

(A) Mechanical Aptitude Test:

Mechanical ability is an ability involved in manipulating concrete objects, such as tools, and

in dealing mentally with mechanical movements. A number of tests are available for

measuring mechanical aptitude for a fairly large field of occupations rather than for a single

occupation.

1. Minnesota Mechanical Assembly Test.

2. Minnesota Spatial Relations Test

3. Minnesota Paper Form Board.

4. Johnson O’Connor’s Wiggly Blocks.

5. Sharma’s Mechanical Aptitude Test Battery.

6. Stenguist Mechanical Aptitude Tests.

(B) Clerical Aptitude Tests:


Different opinions are held regarding the term clerical aptitude. Mostly,that it refers to the

ability of routine clerical work. Bills points out clerical duties include the gathering,

classification, and presentation of data of all sorts, and analysis and use of these data in

planning, executing and determining the results of operation.

A number of tests are available for measuring clerical aptitude:

1. Minnesota Clerical Aptitude Test.

2. General Clerical Aptitude.

3. The Detroit Clerical Aptitude Examination.

4. P.R.W. Test.

5. Orissa Test of Clerical Aptitude.

6. Clerical Aptitude Test.

(C) Tests of Artistic Aptitude:


Some tests have been devised to measure the artistic aptitudes. Some such tests are listed
below:

1. Graphic Arts Test:


These tests measure the art and aesthetic aptitudes.

2. Musical Aptitude Tests:


These tests measure the various components of musical talent.

3. Literary Aptitude Tests:


Some examples of such tests are Abbot Traube Test, Rigg Poetry Judgement Test.

(D) Professional Aptitude Tests:


These tests primarily measure aptitude for different professions. Such tests are administered
before admission into professional institutions like medical, legal, engineering institutions.
There are many tests to measure aptitude in medicine, science, mathematics, law,
engineering, teaching etc.

(E) Scholastic Aptitude Tests:


These tests measure the scholastic aptitudes. Some examples of such tests are Scholastic
Aptitude Tests of C.E.E. Board, Graduate Record Examination.
(F) Other Tests like Motor Dexterity Tests:
Other Tests like Motor Dexterity Tests, Sensory Tests, Visual Tests and Auditory Tests.

Uses of Aptitude Tests:


o Aptitude tests are used for the purpose of prediction for future success both in
educational and vocational careers.
o These tests are used to help the students in the proper choice of courses,
subjects and careers.
o They are used as they supplement other psychological test.
o Aptitude tests are used to help the students in the improvement of certain
special traits.
o They are used for the purpose of admission and selection of students in the
college and technical institutions.

You might also like