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AIMS
is a nonprofit, tax-exempt research foundation which develops,
administers, and interprets aptitude worksamples. Studies show that the
mental traits measured by these worksamples are inherited, or else
determined so early in life that they do not change significantly after
puberty. While the basic purpose of AIMS is the scientific study of
human behavior based on accurate measurements, it has the larger, more
pragmatic goal of aiding youngsters and adults in planning a happier and
more successful future. As individuals are tested, information about
their traits becomes the primary source of data for the research
program. The knowledge derived from this research benefits AIMS program
participants who are making educational and vocational decisions.
The
Importance of Using Aptitudes
Many individuals in today’s society feel dissatisfied and restless
because they are in the wrong careers. These “square pegs in round
holes” may not recognize their true abilities or may not realize how to
use them. When discouraged men and women in their middle years discover
their aptitude profiles, they often find that their jobs have failed to
challenge their basic abilities. Full satisfaction with a job usually
requires a person to flex all his strong mental aptitudes.
When natural abilities are not used in one’s occupation, these unused
aptitudes are often channeled into counterproductive activities. Years
ago a dissatisfied assembly worker with strong communications aptitudes
was asked what his hobbies were. His response: “Organizing strikes!”
In this age of specialization and rapid change, it has become crucial
for each of us to pinpoint our individual talents and to use this
knowledge to pursue satisfying careers and happier lives. The AIMS
program helps its participants recognize which vocations will be
rewarding outlets for their aptitudes, and it helps them better
understand the talents and problems of others in their families and
workplaces.
The knowledge of one’s own natural abilities aids in understanding
others and in seeing their strengths and weaknesses in a new light. Many
workers, particularly those in management positions, view this
heightened perception of others as one of the important results of the
AIMS program. Parents who take the tests with their children find the
discussion of family members’ aptitudes to be the start of new insights
into their differences and similarities.
Procedure
The aptitude worksamples measure an individual’s talent for specific
activities by determining how quickly or accurately he can perform
certain tasks. These tasks are short samples of work activities involved
in the vast majority of occupations. Hence, AIMS calls them “worksamples.”
Instead of asking questions to determine knowledge or interests, the
AIMS worksamples challenge each examinee to solve problems and to make
judgments similar to those involved in many jobs. The results are then
compared with those of successful and satisfied individuals in various
occupations. This process reduces the overwhelming number of career
possibilities to a few specific choices for each examinee.
These worksamples are not like school or I.Q. tests; there is no pass or
fail judgment. A high score on an aptitude worksample is an advantage in
some jobs, but a disadvantage in others. Thus, a high score is not
necessarily a “good” score and a low score is not necessarily a “bad”
score. The goal is not to score high on all worksamples, but to discover
a satisfying outlet for the examinee’s unique pattern of talents.
Test Results
The final step in the AIMS program is the presentation of test results
and the interpretation of their significance. During the conference, the
meaning of each score and the significance of the overall pattern of
aptitudes are explained. Occupations that match the aptitude pattern are
presented. When appropriate, colleges and college majors are
recommended. Each examinee receives a copy of his scores, a report
explaining the major recommendations, and a booklet that defines AIMS
terminology.
Also
provided is a CD recording of the conference and a CD Manual, written by
AIMS staff members.
All
appointments must be made by telephone. 972-234-8378 |
