Some Examples of Aptitudes
 

1. Classification or Inductive Reasoning

Classification is a form of problem solving in which a person considers specific examples in order to reach a general conclusion (reasoning from the specific to the general).

Detectives use it when they analyze clues in order to to solve crimes. Doctors use it to diagnose an illness based on the symptoms they see. Lawyers use it to build and present a case.

People who have this aptitude like intellectual challenges and learning new things. They can rapidly digest and sum up a set of details in order to “see the big picture.” They enjoy argumentation and debate but can be critical of others.

Those who have this aptitude but don’t use it tend to feel bored or “unchallenged.” They need education to give them the understanding that will take them from just being able to spot and identify problems to being able to solve them.

People with this aptitude often prefer to solve problems themselves rather than delegate the work to others. They are often slow decision-makers as they can readily see two or more sides of an issue.


2. Concept Organization, a.k.a. Analytical or Deductive Reasoning

Concept Organization is the ability to arrange concepts, information or things in a well-reasoned, logical progression—organizing things or ideas from the general to the specific; for example, distributing things into categories or groups.

It is an effective form of communication based on logic.

• General: All dogs have four legs.
• Specific: Fido is a dog.
• Specific Conclusion: Fido has four legs.

Those who use this aptitude include writers, editors, teachers, tour planners and planners in general. Lawyers tend to be high in this aptitude as well as Classification.


3. Experiential Problem Solving

This form of problem solving is based on past experience rather than reasoning. Those with this aptitude tend to be decisive as opposed to other people who procrastinate and seem “lost in their thoughts.” Experiential problem solvers are more readily able to access their experiences than those who rely on high Classification or Concept Organization abilities.

They tend to prefer tried-and-true procedures.

They are good listeners, patient, and accepting (and therefore less critical) of others. Hence they excel at team-building.

Most top-ranking business executives and managers as well as those who excel in sales have this aptitude. It is also typical of artists.


4. Idea Productivity or Ideaphoria

This is a measure of how frequently new ideas enter a person’s mind, though not necessarily the quality or originality of those ideas. It is a form of creativity (although not the only one).

It is useful in dealing with the unexpected.

It is a powerful aptitude that demands use, and therefore thrives in a job where new ideas are welcome and needed—for example, in coping with a wide variety of problems and tasks.

It is a great asset for those in advertising, creative writing and sales, and it helps teachers make their classes more interesting. Artists frequently draw on it. (Pardon the pun.)

On the other hand, having this aptitude can make staying focused on a specific area or sticking to the tried and true course more difficult as there is frequently a tendency to want to try out new ideas and new methods. Accountants, bankers, doctors and engineers tend to score low in it.


5. Spatial Relations Theory

This is the ability to understand theoretical relationships in the workings of the mechanical universe and in interpersonal group dynamics. It is an ability to understand and create procedures and systems. It can pertain to abstract concepts or tangible things.

It is useful in higher math, all aspects of physics, astronomy, computer systems and certain artistic creations.

It helps enable a person to see things from another’s point of view and to understand group dynamics.

Careers that utilize it include scientific research, engineering, architecture, meteorology, family therapy and other aspects of psychology, as well as patent and some corporate law. It is pretty much at the heart of computer science.

People who score low in Spatial Relations Theory tend to be more comfortable in the world of words, ideas, values, emotions and dealing with people’s individual needs.

Individuals who typically score low include most lawyers, judges, writers, musicians, accountants, salespeople, teachers (of non- technical subjects), clergy, politicians,
performers and those in law enforcement.


6. Spatial Relations Visualization, a.k.a. Structural Visualization

This is the ability to think three-dimensionally. It is typical of those who enjoy working with tangible, three-dimensional objects. Those lacking this aptitude are abstract rather than structural thinkers.

Fields that call for this aptitude include construction and the other building trades, medicine (though not psychiatry and public health), dentistry, auto mechanics, building and repairing of equipment, and working with tools or machines in general.

People with this aptitude enjoy seeing the results of their work in a concrete, tangible way. They often prefer to work with things more than with people.

It is a powerful aptitude that subconsciously cries out to be used. Some people find an outlet for it in hobbies.

Students high in this aptitude sometimes do poorly in school because the typical curriculum is so heavily weighted in favor of abstract subjects.