Page 377 - DEDU504_EDUCATIONAL_MEASUREMENT_AND_EVALUATION_ENGLISH

Unit 32 : Measurement of Attitude, Aptitude, Personality and Intelligence

school is suitable for him, he is satisfied with the school environment (physical and educational). Notes
If the attitude of the student is not suitable for school, his response on the different areas of the
attitude scale is seen. On the basis of these responses reforms are made in the areas in which
he has not given favourable response or has not shown positive attitude.
32.1.7 Use, Need and Importance of Attitude Test
(1) Attitude tests measure students’ attitude towards different objects, persons, activities and
thoughts, etc.
(2) Attitude tests can be used to find out their favourable and unfavourable attitudes.
(3) Favourable attitudes of the students are developed.
(4) Attempt is made to diminish the unfavourable attitudes.
32.1.8 Limitations of Attitude Test
The attitudes of the students are subject to change, so the limitations of attitudes measured at one
time cannot be applied at another time.

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32.2 Measurement of Aptitude

32.2.1 Meaning and Definition of Aptitude
Everybody possesses certain hereditary abilities, capacities and talents which help him to get success
in a particular field in the future. As these abilities find suitable environment, they become refined.
If these abilities and capacities of a person are educated or trained, they become refined all the more
and the person succeeds in the field even more. Such hereditary abilities, capacities or talents of a
person are called aptitude. Traxler has defined aptitude in the following way :
Aptitude is a present condition which is indicative of an individual’s potentialities for the future.
—Traxler
The first thing about aptitude is that it is a hereditary ability which is developed by environment,
education and training. Secondly, it indicates a person’s interest, inclination and ability which is
necessary for his future success in a particular field. What a child will become in future — a musician,
a doctor, an engineer, or somewhat else depends on his aptitude. A child makes progress in the field
for which he has aptitude. Of course, it is necessary to give him required environment, teaching and
training. So, aptitude should be defined as a hereditary ability. In our view :
Aptitude is that hereditary ability, capacity or potential of a person which develops by
environment, teaching and training, and which helps a person to get success in a particular field.
In order to understand the concept of aptitude clearly, it is necessary to differentiate it from other
similar concepts.
32.2.2 Nature and Characteristics of Aptitude
Bingham has clarified the nature of aptitude in the following points :
(1) Aptitude of a person is the total sum of his present qualities which points towards the future
capacities.
(2) A particular aptitude of a person indicates his fitness for doing a particular task.
(3) Aptitude is an abstract noun and not a concrete object or ability, which expresses a specific
quality in the whole personality of a person.

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