ABSTRACT
This chapter offers a review of research in Africa on abilities and attainments, particularly where such research has analysed test scores into meaningful patterns. It presents in broad summary form the main ability dimensions that have been found in the work of authors who have correlated test scores in non-Western cultures. The chapter begins with a review of factor analytic studies of abilities and the influences on these of environment and attributes. It shows that the most common kind of knowledge is of natural objects and animals, followed by objects with social functions or functions specific to one or other of the sexes, and then comes knowledge of one’s personal habits or symptoms and knowledge of utensils and utilities. In short, investigations into the structure of abilities within Africa suggest a revision of theories of intellect in order to encompass results that point to the importance of modes of perceiving and communicating as determiners of ability.
