The mechanical aptitudes of 312 prisoners

Abstract

During a recent occupational survey at the Illinois State Penitentiary the Stenquist Mechanical Aptitude Test (Form 1) was used. By means of an Occupational Inventory of each individual in the superior and the inferior quartiles, it was possible to ascertain whether or not the first job, last job, longest job, or father's occupation had been of a mechanical nature. The conclusion is reached that experience gained through mechanical trades does improve one's mechanical ability as measured by the Stenquist Test; that high scores and low scores on the Stenquist Test are significant indicators of the presence or absence of mechanical aptitude; and that the Stenquist Test used in conjunction with an occupational inventory and an intelligence test provides a simple and useful device for ascertaining mechanical aptitude in adults. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)