Individual's underlying potential for acquiring knowledge and skill after training is known as __________.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Aptitude
Option (1) Talent — Incorrect. Talent is a narrow term that refers to a remarkable ability already shown in a specific field, such as music or sport; the highly talented are sometimes called prodigies. It is an ability a person has, not a potential to be developed by training.
Option (2) Values — Incorrect. Values are enduring beliefs about an ideal mode of behaviour, which set standards for guiding one’s actions and judging others. They concern what a person thinks is right, not skills.
Option (3) Aptitude — Correct. Aptitude refers to an individual’s underlying potential for acquiring skills. Aptitude tests predict what a person can do if given proper environment and training: someone with high mechanical aptitude can be trained to do well as an engineer.
Option (4) Interest — Incorrect. Interest is a person’s preference for engaging in one or more specific activities relative to others. It tells us what a person likes to do, not how far she/he can be trained.
Note: A similar question was also asked in CUET (UG) 2025 on 22-05-2025 (Slot 1).
NCERT (2025-26): “Assessment of Psychological Attributes … 2. Aptitude refers to an individual’s underlying potential for acquiring skills. Aptitude tests are used to predict what an individual will be able to do if given proper environment and training. A person with high mechanical aptitude can profit from appropriate training and can do well as an engineer. Similarly, a person having high language aptitude can be trained to be a good writer.…” “Assessment of Psychological Attributes … 3. Interest is an individual’s preference for engaging in one or more specific activities relative to others. Assessment of interests of students may help to decide what subjects or courses they can pursue comfortably and with pleasure. Knowledge of interests helps us in making choices that promote life satisfaction and performance on jobs.…” “Assessment of Psychological Attributes … 5. Values are enduring beliefs about an ideal mode of behaviour. A person having a value sets a standard for guiding her/his actions in life and also for judging others.…” “Intellectual Giftedness … Although the terms ‘talent’ and ‘giftedness’ are often used interchangeably, they mean different things. Giftedness is exceptional general ability shown in superior performance in a wide variety of areas. Talent is a narrower term and refers to remarkable ability in a specific field (e.g., spiritual, social, aesthetic, etc.).…” |