Aptitude Tests

Aptitude can be defined as any characteristic that affects an individual's response to instruction or treatment. An aptitude test is intended to measure characteristics that influence the likely or potential response to environmental stimuli. Test outcomes are often used to predict future performance. Common characteristics associated with aptitude tests include intelligence, career skill/interest, and personality. Aptitude is typically identified as a characteristic of an individual. However, success is defined by both the characteristics of the individual and the ecology in which the individual exists. The aptitude for high academic achievement cannot be realized without the necessary experiences to promote learning and achievement.

Aptitude can be conceptualized as readiness to thrive. The outcomes from college aptitude tests, such as the Scholastic Aptitude Test, are used to guide admission decisions. They provide information about the student's capacity to thrive and learn academic material presented in higher education. The outcomes from career-related aptitude tests, such as the Strong Interest Inventory, provide information about individual characteristics that influence potential responses to job training.

The first aptitude tests were developed by Sir Francis Galton in the late 19th century to measure intelligence. The approach was later popularized by Alfred Binet and his colleagues when they developed and introduced the Binet Intelligence test. The Binet was used in France to identify those students who were most likely to benefit from public education. The underlying assumption associated with the use of the Binet was that there were individual differences that affect the potential to learn, and public financing should be spent to educate the students with the most potential. The assumption of individual differences endures today; however, intelligence tests have gone through much refinement through the years. In addition, the success of such tests spawned various types of aptitude tests to address the diverse measurement needs of practitioners.

Aptitude tests vary in the number and specificity of the characteristics measured. Some measure broad aptitudes, such as general intelligence, scholastic ability, or personality; others target narrow aptitudes, such as mathematical or mechanical abilities. These tests are widely used in schools, counselingcenters, and clinics as one piece of information within a comprehensive assessment. There are several categories of aptitude tests, and the following sections provide background information on development of aptitude tests and practical information on various types of aptitude tests, including intelligence tests, scholastic achievement tests, personality tests, and career tests. Finally, historical and present uses of aptitude tests are discussed