2. The theory of successful intelligence and its implications for language-aptitude testing

2002 ◽  
pp. 13-43 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert J. Sternberg
Keyword(s):  
Language Aptitude ◽  
Aptitude Testing ◽  
Successful Intelligence

Aptitude testing over the years

Interpreting ◽  
2011 ◽  
Vol 13 (1) ◽  
pp. 5-30 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mariachiara Russo
Keyword(s):  
Verbal Fluency ◽  
Cognitive Skills ◽  
Spoken Language ◽  
Independent Research ◽  
Language Aptitude ◽  
Aptitude Tests ◽  
Aptitude Testing ◽  
Signed Language ◽  
Emerging Themes ◽  
Reliable Testing

In the present paper I review the existing literature on aptitude testing with a view to highlighting the main emerging themes: which qualities indicate an aptitude in a prospective interpreter, how these qualities may be measured and which types of test should be administered, the issue of valid and reliable testing, proposals for test designs, and, finally, description of aptitude tests which have identified statistically significant predictors. The focus is on spoken language, but signed-language aptitude testing is also partially covered. Available results so far appear to show that interpreting-related cognitive skills and verbal fluency may be measured and may be predictive both for spoken-language and for signed-language interpreting candidates. In particular, the production of synonyms appears to be a strong aptitude predictor from several independent research projects.

Stages of Acquisition and the P/E Model of Working Memory: Complementary or contrasting approaches to foreign language aptitude?

2021 ◽  
Vol 41 ◽  
pp. 6-24
Author(s):  
Zhisheng (Edward) Wen ◽  
Peter Skehan
Keyword(s):  
Working Memory ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Foreign Language Learning ◽  
Pattern Identification ◽  
Language Aptitude ◽  
Aptitude Testing ◽  
Input Processing ◽  
Equal Importance ◽  
Foreign Language Aptitude

AbstractThis paper explores the roles of both working memory (WM) and more traditional aptitude components, such as input processing and language analytic ability in the context of foreign language learning aptitude. More specifically, the paper compares two current perspectives on language aptitude: the Stages Approach (Skehan, 2016, 2019) and the P/E Model (Wen, 2016, 2019). Input processing and noticing, pattern identification and complexification, and feedback are examined as they relate to both perspectives and are then used to discuss existing aptitude testing, recent research, and broader theoretical issues. It is argued that WM and language aptitude play different but complementary roles at each of these stages, reflecting the various linguistic and psycholinguistic processes that are most prominent in other aspects of language learning. Overall, though both perspectives posit that WM and language aptitude have equal importance at the input processing stage, they exert greater influence at each of the remaining stages. More traditional views of aptitude dominate at the pattern identification and complexification stage and WM with the feedback stage.

scholarly journals From a Simple Testing Tool to Advanced Computer-based MLAT Test: A Century of Aptitude Testing

2016 ◽  
Vol 54 ◽  
pp. 127-150
Author(s):  
Adam Świątek
Keyword(s):  
Intelligence Tests ◽  
Language Aptitude ◽  
Aptitude Tests ◽  
Aptitude Testing ◽  
Modern Language ◽  
Testing Tools ◽  
Foreign Language Aptitude ◽  
Computer Based ◽  
Modern Language Aptitude Test ◽  
Advanced Computer

The beginning of the aptitude concept, as well as aptitude testing, or, in other words, measuring one’s predispositions to foreign languages dates back to the 1920’s when the first aptitude tests, like the Iowa Foreign Language Aptitude Examination, or the Luria-Orleans Language Prognosis Test came into existence Carroll 1962. Since that time, aptitude tests have gone through a multitude of different transformations — from simple testing tools that resembled intelligence tests to an advanced computer-based version of the most influential Modern Language Aptitude Test developed by Carroll and Sapon in 1959 Dörnyei and Skehan 2003. Apart from them, researchers from different countries have attempted to create their own unique versions of the MLAT, like the Hungarian HUNLAT battery Safar and Kormos 2008, the Polish version named TUNJO Rysiewicz 2011, or even the CANAL-F battery based on an artificial language Kocic 2010. Therefore, the main goal of this paper is to provide a thorough theoretical analysis and review of the available aptitude testing batteries and find the differences and similarities between them. What is more, the paper aims to describe the components of all the possible aptitude tests and discover the potential behind the testing tools that examine one’s natural predispositions effectively. Apart from the general knowledge about aptitude testing available anywhere nowadays, it is necessary to understand how the tests work, and what they expect from a participant taking part in such an initiative. As they are often compared with intelligence tests, the purpose of this paper is to show that aptitude tests constitute a different tool, and measure different abilities and skills than a set of intelligence related instruments. To reach this goal, I examine the tools available, describe their properties and potential success rate, analyze their components and compare them with the other batteries.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document