Tests have been designed since 1920 to
measure aptitudes for such fields as mechan-
ics, music, and art. Variations that occur
among individuals in mental ability and in
physical characteristics, such as height and
weight, have long been recognized. More
recently, individual differences in special
talents have been recognized, measured, and
given consideration in many schools.
An aptitude for mechanical tasks is con-
sidered to be indicated when one possesses
manual dexterity, hand and eye coordina-
tion, and orientation in spatial relations.
These elements are measured by such tests
as tapping, tracing, copying designs, and
recognizing physical relationships of objects.
Musical aptitude is indicated by the capac-
ity of the individual to discriminate between
variations in pitch, tone, consonance, inten-
sity, and rhythm. An aptitude for artistic
expression in the graphic arts is thought to
consist of specific capacities, such as the
recognition of proportion, analysis of per-
spective, and recognition of color combina-
tions, including tints and shades.
Little doubt exists that the possession of
a special aptitude for any one of these fields
does not necessarily ensure success. While
compensations can be made for the lack of
aptitude for a specific endeavor, and skills
can be acquired or modified through educa-
tion and training, satisfactory accomplish-
ment depends also on interest, effort, per-
severance, and circumstances peculiar to
each situation.
The results of aptitude measurements
have practical applications, particularly
when considered in the choice of a profes-
sion. For example, a dentist, surgeon, or
jeweler must possess an unusual degree of
eye-hand coordination as well as technical
information and professional knowledge. The
additional information made available by
the use of aptitude tests can serve to help
the student become oriented to whatever
special talents he may possess and to assist
the counselor in offering better guidance.

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