Abstract
THE object of this research was to inquire into the existence and psychological nature of what has been variously called ‘mechanical ability’, ‘mechanical ingenuity’ or ‘mechanical sense’. A clear understanding of this would certainly be of great value in vocational guidance and selection and in certain branches of educational practice. The general lines of the research, method of treatment, and argument follow those already laid down by Prof. Spearman in his studies of intelligence. A number of tests demanding ability to handle and interpret mechanical models, diagrams, etc., was given to different groups and the results subjected to detailed statistical treatment. The author draws the conclusions that there does seem to be evidence in favour of the reality of a special mechanical ability not dependent on general intelligence alone and that this can be measured. If this work should be substantiated, the consequences will be very valuable, for it will be possible to select those children with the ability and give them every opportunity for its development, while those lacking it can be diverted from occupations where success depends upon it. The research is a very valuable piece of pioneer work and its conclusions may be pertinent to psychological theory.
Mechanical Aptitude: its Existence, Nature, and Measurement.
John W.
Cox
By. (Thesis ap. proved for the Degree of Doctor of Science in the University of London.) Pp. xiii + 209. (London: Methuen and Co., Ltd., 1928.) 7s. 6d. net.
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Mechanical Aptitude: its Existence, Nature, and Measurement . Nature 124, 757 (1929). https://doi.org/10.1038/124757a0
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/124757a0