* PLEASE READ THIS IN MEDIUM
OR HIGH RESOLUTION.
APTITUDE TEST : V1.0 21/6/92
Most of the Test Questions & Answers came from a book called
'TEST YOUR OWN APTITUDE' By Jim Barrett and Geoff Williams
Published by Kogan Page Ltd. London
This test will attempt to determine 21 different aspects of your
Personality, Aptitude and Motivation resulting in three graphs
and a choice of some 20 different jobs/careers based on your
answers. A set of demonstration examples are on disk. Load the
results analysis 'APTUD_P2.PRG' and follow the prompts. It is all
mouse control, simply click the icons.
The test itself (APTUD_P1.PRG) will take a MINIMUM OF ONE HOUR
to complete. It ALWAYS begins at the start so part-completion
(although possible as each module is saved separately) would be
silly, because it would require you to redo those sections you
may already have done. It would be pointless for me to programme
it as individual modules ...how many exams have you ever sat that
permits you to leave in the middle then come back later to
finish?..None!
The advantage of computerising a test like this is that it
removes the temptation to look at the answers, it simplifies the
computations needed to determine the result, it allows
comparitive testing because the answers are never revealed. It
ensures the time limit is strictly adhered to and it prevents
'second guessing' which can distort ones answers.
The disadvantages of this particular programme is that the
interpretation of results is greatly condensed, it does, however
provide the most important information which is the list of
careers applicable to one particular score. Another disadvantage
may be that diagrams are not as clear on screen as detail is
restricted by screen resolution. Unlike a written exam, you must
answer every question as it appears...skipping (by guessing)
'difficult' questions may help your score but even if you
complete it within the time limit, there is no option of going
back to those you 'skipped', which is another reason why you must
allow ample time to use this programme. All or nothing!
Every person is different so it would be impossible to compute
one single career based on such a small test. Much depends on an
individuals academic and previous work experience but it does
point you towards the most suitable occupation based on the
answers given. You should do the test once then redo it several
weeks later and compare the results, assuming you answered
truthfully, the two results should be fairly consistent. Many
jobs suggested involve Professional and Academic qualifications
that may be beyond a person's ability to obtain, while others may
be considered 'below one's dignity'. Only you can decide the best
career and it does help if at least, the general direction is
shown. There is little point in pursuing goals that are unattain-
able or totally unsuited to ones personality. What the Aptitude
Test does is weed out the 'wheat from the chaff'.
The end result is a short-list of some 20 different careers that
a person of your personality, ability and motivation should be
encouraged to pursue further and three graphs showing your
strengths and weaknesses. In this version, the information is
limited to 'On Screen Only' although the graphs themselves can be
dumped to disk or printer.
THE APTITUDE TEST
Each 'module' comprises of 20 ~ 70 questions with a small
introduction prior to each test. The first is APTITUDE and this
tests your VERBAL REASONING, NUMERICAL REASONING, PERCEPTUAL
REASONING, SPATIAL ABILITIES, ACUITY SKILLS, TECHNICAL ABILITY
and ANALYTICAL ABILITY. Overall these tests what you are 'good
at', everyone has special skills in which they excel but often
don't realise exist. It would be impossible to achieve equality
between all of the tests so however small the difference, your
strengths will be revealed. The analysis will centre on the two
highest scores giving several options based on your greatest
strength and then in combination with your second greatest.
** It should be noted that the number of correct answers is
computed into the graph in such a way that it it takes into
account whether a test had 20 or 70 questions, and the difficulty
factor so that each graph block is a true comparison of the
others...it is not simply a direct entry of correct answers. Some
tests demand a greater proportion of correct answers than others.
~~~~~~~~~~~
MOTIVATION: No matter how 'good' a person is at something, unless
they have the desire to pursue it, it really does not matter. For
example you may have all the attributes necessary for work as a
Steel Erector but have a fear of heights or dislike of 'open air'
work so the motivation would be non-existent. What this test
tries to do is match what you would prefer to do, in comparison
to what you're actually capable of. It compares:-
LITERARY: How much you enjoy tasks that involve words, ideas
and communication is tested.
CREATIVE: Creativity can be interpreted as an interest in
things artistic, musical or even imaginative flair.
SOCIAL: This indicates how much you enjoy helping others,
either directly with assistance or indirectly with
information.
EXECUTIVE: Shows how much you are motivated by activities in
which you can organise and influence others by your
own leadership.
RESEARCH: This determines how much interest you have in
acquiring knowledge. This could be academic study or
scientific research.
PRACTICAL: Indicates how much you like being physically
involved with what you do, working with your hands.
ADMINISTRATIVE: Broadly speaking this determines how much appeal
clerical or office type work appeals.
~~~~~~~~~~~
PERSONALITY is difficult to test and can be influenced by your
current mood or problems but although feelings may change, it's
doubtful they would make a significant impact on the overall
results. The greatest difficulty in personality testing is that
we all KNOW how we are 'supposed' feel and often respond in the
most socially acceptable manner rather than reveal our true
feelings. With computer testing, your 'secrets' are 100% safe. No
one but yourself will know if you 'cheat' but the only person you
will cheat is yourself. Interpretation of the results are based
on responses from similar tests. There are no time limits on the
Motivation or Personality segments but it's best to answer what
you first think rather than weighing up all the pros and cons as
if you actually intended doing what is asked.
RELIABILITY: Shows how dependable you are. A calm consistent and
unhurried disposition is often equated with dullness and
predictability but also can be a solid base and a feature often
admired by employers who place loyalty and dependability high on
their priorities. Some jobs require dedication above the norm.
PRAGMATISM: Reveals how 'down to earth' you are. A pragmatist
deals with hard facts (however unpleasant) and figures and is
often linked to practicality. Personal feelings and sentiment
seldom intrude into problems and is the direct opposite of
Sensitivity. A high score in one means a low in the other.
VITALITY: shows how lively you are. It indicates how much you
enjoy change and variety, often characterised by spontaneous
actions. Others may find it difficult to predict how you will
react and may find you totally unreliable. A high score here
would tend to make regular '9-5' jobs very unattractive.
AGGRESSION: This has nothing to do with dominance or physical
agression like fighting. It is best described as 'Go-getting' or
ambitious. How bullish your approach is, could also be
interpreted as how 'bossy' or overbearing you are. People with
high scores here, may hurt others feelings without realizing it.
SOCIABILITY: Show how important other people are to your life.
It is the opposite of Independance and shows how you like to get
along with others often to the extent of self-sacrifice.
Employers would find this useful because a high score would mean
you have an ability to 'fit in' with few conflicts.
SENSITIVITY: This is all about feelings and emotions and how
important they rate. A high score shows you are extremely
conscious of what other people say or think of you. Everything
tends to become personal and you probably become easily offended.
INDEPENDENCE: reveals how self-sufficient you are. Self-reliance
is required in all all jobs involving remote locations or self
employment. A high score would indicate little if any interest in
group activities or social situations. Sometimes considered
'loners' or 'outsiders' by others. Often a strong independant
score is linked to a high practical ability.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Bear in mind that, like all tests of this type, the Aptitude Test
is just that. An indicator of the direction you should be
looking, no more. You may not agree with the interpretation which
is fine. It does not claim to be definitive and in reality is
probably more subjective than objective.
If you REALLY want to know the correct answers I suggest you buy
the book or visit your local library, however once you know the
answers..this entire test becomes useless. Memory will affect any
future testing.
I hope you find it both interesting and revealing. It was for
me.
M. Duncan 21st June 92
~~~~~ THE END ~~~~~