Page 373 - Understanding Psychology

Measuring Achievement, Abilities, and Interests
s Main Idea
Psychologists have developed tests to assess special abilities and experiences.
s Vocabulary
• aptitude test
• achievement test
• interest inventory
s Objectives
• Identify the most widely used aptitude
tests, achievement tests, and interest
inventories.
• Explain the application of aptitude
tests, achievement tests, and interest inventories.
Reader’s Guide
Exploring Psychology
What Are Your Interests?
Breathless, Vin dashed into the chem- istry lab, “Sorry I’m late, Mrs. Baker,” he told his instructor. “I was helping Mr. Eads plant marigolds around the flagpole.”
Mrs. Baker sighed patiently. “I’m glad to give you extra help, Vin, but try to be on time.”
“Sorry,” Vin repeated. “I guess I have more fun in a garden than I do in chem lab.” Mrs. Baker smiled in surprise. “You like
to garden? A garden is a chemistry lab.” Now Vin looked surprised. “It is?” “Sure,” Mrs. Baker replied. “Making
food from sunlight, drawing nutrients from soil—these are chemical processes. . . .”
—from Shaping Your Future by Eddye Eubanks, Connie R. Sasse, and Linda R. Glosson, 2000
Vin views digging in the garden as fun, not work. What subject fascinates you? What career should you choose? What are your interests and aptitudes? Which subject most motivates you to learn more? Intelligence tests are designed to measure a person’s overall ability to solve problems that involve symbols such as words, numbers, and pictures. Psychologists have developed other tests to assess special abilities and experiences. These include aptitude tests, achievement tests, and interest inventories.
Chapter
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Psychological Testing 359