Differential Aptitude Test: its tests and characteristics

In intelligence assessment, we can distinguish two types of evaluation: that of global intelligence and that based on the evaluation of multiple aptitudes (different abilities that make up intelligence).

In this article we will know the Bennett, Seashore and Wesman Differential Aptitude Test, considered by many authors the first battery of multiple aptitudes in the history of psychological evaluation, designed in 1947.

• Related article: "theories of human intelligence"

Differential Aptitude Test: characteristics

The Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) is a battery of differential aptitude tests (also called TAD), designed in 1947 by George K. Bennett, Harold G. Seashore, and Alexander G. Wesman. It is one of the most widely used multi-skill batteries, and is considered by some authors the first to appear.

Subsequently, new revised and re-standardized shapes were designed in 1962, giving rise to the L and M shapes, later the S and T shapes, and finally the DAT 5, the latest version.

Initially, the Differential Aptitudes Test was designed for high school students. Currently it is frequently used for vocational and educational guidance processes.

Attitude could be defined as the ability to learn something. The Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) measures students' ability to learn or to perform effectively in a a number of areas, as well as to assess a candidate's potential for a position for the successful development of his or her profession.

• You may be interested in: "Types of psychological tests: their functions and characteristics"

Technical data

The original name of the test is Differential Aptitudes Test. Its application can be individual or collective. The duration is 120 minutes for the 1st section and 1150 minutes for the 2nd section, and its scope of application is from 12 years old.

As for the material, it is made up of booklets, answer sheets, a pencil, punctuation keys, and a timer.

Applications

The Differential Aptitude Test is used to measure the capacity that a person possesses in different areas of her abilities; that is why it is considered a “potency” test.

The aptitudes and abilities that it measures are those indicated as the most important in multiple educational and vocational situations.

What does it evaluate?

The purpose of the Differential Aptitudes Test is to evaluate verbal, numerical, abstract, mechanical reasoning, spatial relationships, spelling, speed and perceptual accuracy.

Test tests

The test It consists of 7 tests that make up the test, each of which is named after the aforementioned factors:

1. Verbal Reasoning (VR)

This test measures the person's ability to understand concepts formulated in words, as well as the ability to abstract concepts o Generalize and think constructively.

In this test, the examined subject must choose between 5 words, the one that best completes the analogy. For example: "... is to the right as west is to..."

2. calculation (C)

Here is evaluated the understanding of numerical relationships and the facility to handle numerical concepts. It offers a measure of the subject's ability to reason with numbers, manage numerical relationships, and work with quantitative materials.

3. Abstract Reasoning (AR)

Its objective is to evaluate the non-verbal part of reasoning ability. In this test, the subject must discover what principles govern the transformation of the figure, and demonstrate that understanding by designating the diagram that should logically follow the series.

4. Mechanical Reasoning (RM)

This test has illustrations where mechanical situations are shown, accompanied by a question asked in simple terms. The items are presented based on simple mechanisms frequently found in everyday life.

5. Spatial Relations (RE)

The subject's ability to deal with specific materials through visualizations is measured. The task is related to how certain objects would look if arranged and rotated.

6. Spelling and Language (O and L)

In this case, these two tests are more performance tests than aptitude tests. The scores here are divided into two (one for each test), but they are also considered together, as they provide an estimate of the person's ability to distinguish between correct and incorrect use of language.

7. Speed ​​or Perceptual Accuracy (VP)

These are intended to assess the speed of response of the subject in a simple perceptual task. The subject examined here should look at the combinations marked in the test booklet, and then look for the same combination in a group of several similar ones, printed on the worksheet. answers.

Considerations in your application

When administering the Differential Aptitudes Test, three factors must be taken into account: make an adequate planning of the test, a correct chronology and applying it in suitable physical conditions for the subject and the examiner.

On the other hand, the test can be administered totally or partially. Thus, analysis of scores can be performed for each test separately, or integrating the information resulting from the application of several or all of the subtests.