Aptitude and creativity

The essentials

Aptitude is a combination of characteristics that indicates an individual's potential to acquire some specific knowledge or skill after training. Two people with equal aptitude may still perform differently because interest matters too; aptitude and interest together predict success. Aptitude tests may be independent (specialised) tests, such as clerical or mechanical aptitude tests, or multiple aptitude test batteries.

Creativity is the ability to produce ideas, objects or solutions that are both novel and appropriate. It is seen in many fields, not only arts. Creativity varies across people in kind and degree and is influenced by both heredity and environment.

Key points

• The Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT) measure eight aptitudes: verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, abstract reasoning, clerical speed and accuracy, mechanical reasoning, space relations, spelling and language usage.
• An Indian adaptation of the DAT is widely used for school guidance.
• Creativity tests are open-ended and allow many answers, assessing divergent thinking: fluency (number of ideas), flexibility (variety of ideas), originality (uncommon ideas) and elaboration (detailing ideas).
• Convergent thinking finds the one correct answer and is what intelligence tests mainly assess.
• Relationship: a certain minimum level of intelligence is needed for creativity, but high intelligence does not guarantee creativity.
• Creativity tests developed in India include those by Baqer Mehdi and Passi.

Exam tips

• Remember the four features of divergent thinking with an example: listing uses of a brick.
• Distinguish aptitude (potential), achievement (past learning) and interest (preference).

Common mistakes

• Treating aptitude as already learnt skill.
• Assuming the most intelligent students are always the most creative.