A measure of manual ability

Abstract

A test for manual ability was devised, having three parts: (1) screwing nuts onto bolts of various sizes, then placing the bolts in holes of corresponding size; (2) packing small wooden blocks into a box; (3) arranging rows of blocks on a narrow strip of wood. The test seems to measure a general factor in manual performances which may be called "manual ability," and which the author defines as "native expertness and grace in manual acts." Correlations of test scores with shop production of various sorts vary, but indicate "reasonable validity." Manual ability seems relatively unrelated to chronological or mental age and school achievement. Bibliography of 7 titles. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)