Cognitive/Mental Abilities in Work and Organizational Settings

Introduction

Cognitive processing of information is a critical requirement of many jobs in the workplace. There have been many changes in the nature of work and organizations with regard to the amount and nature of information, which must be dealt with by those working in organizations, as well as in the speed with which this information must be processed and applied. Thus the assessment of individual differences in those cognitive abilities relevant to effective performance in the workplace has become especially critical. This entry deals with the definition and organization of cognitive abilities, presents examples of standardized, diagnostic, and reliable measures for assessing these cognitive abilities, and provides examples of jobs and tasks requiring each of these abilities.