Lecture 1: A Framework for Aptitude Theories

Abstract

The improvement of assessments of human cognition and motivation requires a consideration of the theoretical and practical purposes which those assessments are intended to serve. In particular, assessment of individual differences for any. practical purpose — whether it be for selection, classification, diagnosis and remediation, or evaluation of some treatment situation, requires what I call an “aptitude theory.” A new framework for aptitude theory is introduced in these lectures; it specifies what any theory of aptitude for performance in some particular situation has to include, whether it is a theory of aptitude for learning from some training or instruction, for successful performance in some job, or for profiting from some form of therapy, or remediation or rehabilitation treatment, or whatever. It should be clear that the term “aptitude” here refers not to one particular category of individual difference constructs, such as “cognitive abilities.” Any individual difference can be a part of aptitude for performance in some situation. Thus, cognitive, conative, affective, motivational, volitional, personality, social and also biological differences can be sources of aptitude in particular instances. I believe this approach to the study of individual differences offers the possibility of reaching important new kinds of aptitude constructs, that combine aspects of these traditionally different categories of human differences, as well as new understanding of those existing aptitude constructs that have been persistently useful over the years. There are important implications for basic as well as applied psychology.