ABSTRACT
ACONSIDERATION of the results of tests of ability, and of other relevant facts has led to the conclusion that special abilities are complex, and it has favoured the presumption that their development depends upon a variety of psychological conditions. This view is put forward in Appendix 9 of the Board of Education Eeport by Mr. C. A. Richardson, H.M.I of Schools:
“Mr. Richardson thought it unlikely that special abilities existed in the same sense as general ability. It was becoming sufficiently evident that in all forms of ‘intelligent’ mental activity there was present a certain factor to which the name general ability might fairly be given. It then seemed probable that special ability or (better) aptitude, was a combination of general ability and special interest, and in some cases, special temperamental and physical characteristics.”
