What the Tests Measure - The Ball Foundation

Each of the Ball Aptitude Battery^® (BAB™) tests measure unique and important traits. They were incorporated into a battery of tests to provide a holistic understanding of an individual’s profile of talents. For over 30 years, the Foundation has incorporated aptitude assessments from the Comprehensive Ability Battery (CAB) into its research program. The purpose of using the CAB is to expand our range of measurement.

The BAB was constructed using the traditional reference point of the wide range of aptitudes required by different occupations. In order to make aptitude information understandable in a non-scientific context and applicable to the layperson, the Foundation has developed a classification strategy that features terminology that is somewhat different than one might find in scientific publications regarding aptitudes. The subtests are organized by seven aptitude dimensions that have face validity and internal consistency. Scientifically, these dimensions are consistent with the Foundation’s BAB validation work.

We provide a brief definition of the seven dimensions, identifying the specific aptitudes that fall underneath each, and examples of occupations that engage each (note that occupations typically engage more than one aptitude).

Ball Aptitude Battery tests measure:

Speed/Accuracy and Motor

This class of aptitudes is required in occupations requiring physicality, precision, and endurance. While not specifically applicable, examples could include dentistry, computer numerical control (CNC) operation, or the culinary arts.

Clerical: Measures a person’s perceptual speed and accuracy.

Eye & Hand Coordination: Measures the ability to quickly learn and execute skills that require you to control the actions of your fingers, hand, and wrist.

* Finger Dexterity: Measures the ability to skillfully manipulate small objects with fingers.

* Grip Strength: Measures strength of grip and is also an indication of overall physical endurance.

Memory

While memory is important in all environments, the ability to quickly and easily assimilate and use new information and facts is especially important in rapidly-changing occupations. It is also useful in learning new languages and following rules.

Associative Memory: Measures the ability to recall material learned in a rote or non-meaningful manner.

Visual Memory: Measures classic short-term memory.

Reasoning

Reasoning addresses the level of complexity of work situations and how people best manage information. It has implications for learning preferences, problem-solving, communication style, and time management.

Analytical Reasoning: Reflects the ability to put logical structure to related ideas; the ability to do things logically and systematically.

Inductive Reasoning: Measures the ability to take a series of unrelated facts and arrive at a conclusion; the ability to reason from specific information to a general principle.

Academic

The academic measure taps into the type of information one typically obtains from school grades and school performance. It is an indicator of the level of complexity an individual would be successful pursuing.

Vocabulary: Measures your knowledge of English words and written language. Vocabulary is influenced by education and environment, and is seen as an important contributor to school and career success.

Numerical Computation: Measures the ability to apply basic math skills for simple computations.

Numerical Reasoning: Measures the ability to find a numerical pattern in a series of numbers and to apply the rule to complete the series.

Spatial

Spatial aptitude, also termed ‘visualization’, refers to speed and accuracy in tasks regularly requiring the ability to think and work in three dimensions. Examples of such task might include reading an x-ray, creating or interpreting a blueprint, filling a cavity, or assembling an engine.

Paper Folding: Measures the ability to visualize a three-dimensional figure in a two-dimensional space.

* Shape Assembly: Measures the ability to visualize and manipulate objects in three-dimensional space.

Creativity

Creativity encompasses both abundance and flow of ideas as well as originality of thinking. Examples of creative aptitudes in action could include design, applied arts, sales, marketing, consulting, and teaching.

Idea Generation: Measures the ability to generate a rapid and abundant flow of words and ideas, a facet of creativity.

*Idea Fluency: Measures the ability to think of creative alternative uses of a given object.

Orientation

The Comprehensive Ability Battery

For over 30 years, 7 Comprehensive Ability Battery (CAB) subtests have routinely been administered within Career Vision as supplemental to the BAB subtests. These subtests align with three of the above listed themes:

Memory

Spatial

Creativity

* BAB subtests marked with an asterisk are not delivered via an internet administration format.