How is 'aptitude' different from 'interest' and 'intelligence'? How is aptitude measured?
(i) Aptitude differs from intelligence because intelligence assesses a general mental ability, while aptitude refers to special abilities in a particular field. It is an individual's potential to acquire specific skills after training, predicting future performance given proper training and environment. This explains why people with similar intelligence differ in acquiring specific skills.
(ii) Aptitude is measured using selected aptitude tests, available in two forms: independent (specialised) tests (e.g., Clerical, Mechanical, Numerical, Typing) and multiple (generalised) test batteries. Well-known batteries include Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT), General Aptitude Tests Battery (GATB), and Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). DAT is commonly used in education and has 8 subtests.
Explanation
The answer distinguishes aptitude from general intelligence by defining it as a specific potential for acquiring skills after training. It then explains the measurement of aptitude through independent and multiple test batteries like DAT, GATB, and ASVAB, strictly using the provided textbook context.