Enhancing General and Language Aptitude Tests by Incorporating Cultural and Emo-Sensory Constructs

Abstract

Aptitude testing is a valuable tool for assessing individuals’ potential and predicting their performance in various settings. However, current tests may not fully capture individuals’ range of abilities and tend to focus on specific cognitive constructs, ignoring non-cognitive ones. To address this gap, this article suggests incorporating cultural and emo-sensory constructs into general and foreign language aptitude testing. The newly developed Pishghadam Language-based General Aptitude Test (PL-GAT) measures a wide range of cognitive abilities, including attention, verbal and nonverbal reasoning, memory, and critical thinking, along with non-cognitive abilities, such as emotion, culture, and sense. Concurrently, this dual-purpose test provides an evaluation of individuals’ foreign language aptitude as well. The integration of these constructs provides a more accurate and comprehensive assessment of individuals’ potential, allowing them to understand their strengths and weaknesses better. Additionally, organizations can make more informed decisions when selecting candidates for academic or career purposes.

Keywords

• general aptitude
• language aptitude
• aptitude tests
• culture
• education