Page 281 - DEDU502_GUIDANCE_AND_COUNSELING_ENGLISH

Unit 26: Testing and Non-Testing Techniques: Psychological Tests

• They may encourage the development of special or potential abilities of a given individual. Notes
• They may provide information to assist on individual in making educational and career
decisions or other choices between competing alternatives;
• They may serve as an aid in predicting the level of academic or vocational success on individual
might anticipate; and

• They may be useful in grouping individuals with similar aptitudes for development and other
educational purposes.
There are different types of aptitude tests. Some of them are single aptitude tests like tests of
mechanical aptitude, clerical aptitude, teaching aptitude, musical aptitude and so on. Such tests
covering a group of related abilities are necessary for performing in an occupation like becoming a
mechanic, clerk, teacher, musician etc. Another type of aptitude test is work sample aptitude test. It
requires the individual to perform all or part of a given job under the conditions that exist on the
job. An example of a work sample test for the job of automobile mechanic is to repair a faulty
carburetor. Besides this, there are differential tests Batteries as well. A commonly know Differential
Aptitude Tests (DAT). Bennett, Seashore and Wesman (1984) battery consists of eight subtests of
verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning abstract reasoning, spatial reasoning, clerical speed and
accuracy, mechanical reasoning, language usage, spelling, grammar, combination of such abilities
is required for success in different occupations. Such test batteries can give comprehensive information
about the relative picture of the students specific abilities. Administration of total battery can prove
to be costly in terms of time but one can make selective use of certain sub tests. For example, a
student trying to explore whether s/he will have the required aptitude to go to engineering, may
not be required to take tests like clerical speed, language usage, grammatical or verbal reasoning
tests but may be required to take numerical abstract and spatial reasoning tests. Most of the batteries
of tests available for assessment of aptitude at school stage are in the form of test batteries consisting
of the underlying abilities required for success in different occupations rather than direct assessment
of job aptitudes.
Caution in the use of Aptitude Test Data
• It is important that counselors select and use aptitude tests carefully, keeping in view the
student’s/clients needs. If aptitude test data must be used, it should be used along with
previous achievement data, present interests, leisure time activities and work habits etc. in
order to guide the students into various occupational possibilities.
• The aptitude test samples certain abilities of the individual and helps to find what he/she can
do now and how well it can be done further. On the basis of present performance, estimate of
his/her future achievement is inferred which is in terms of probability only.
• It may also be kept in mind that aptitude tests score only provide leads or suggestions or to
help in career planning and do not automatically match individuals to suitable courses or
studies, and occupations. These are factors like willingness, hard work, that contribute to or
one’s success in a career which are not measured by aptitude tests.
26.1.3 Achievement Tests

Achievement is what one successfully accomplishes in an area of study/activity/domain. In the
case of students, it may be conceptualized as successful learning of the assigned educational material.
Such learning is usually demonstrated to teachers and others either through a verbal presentation
or a written examination.
An achievement test measures knowledge and skills attained by the student in a particular area,
usually acquired after classroom teaching or training. In an educational system, achievement test
scores are often used to determine the level of instruction for which a student is prepared, to indicate
academic strengths and weakness, and to indicate the relative standing of the student in a group/

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