Define Ability
Ability is the capacity to perform a particular task.
In other words, ability is the power or capacity to do or act physically, mentally, legally, morally, financially, etc.
Intellectual Ability
Intellectual abilities are abilities needed to perform mental activities for thinking, reasoning, and problem solving. People in most societies place a high value on intelligence, and good for reason.
Dimensions of Intellectual Ability
Number Aptitude: Ability to do speedy and accurate arithmetic.
Example: Accountant computing the sales tax on a set of items.
Example: Plant manager following corporate policies on hiring.
Perceptual Speed: Ability to identify visual similarities and differences quickly and accurately.
Example: Fire investigator identifying clues to support a charge or arson.
Inductive Reasoning: Ability to identify logical sequence in a problem and then solve the problem.
Example: Market researcher forecasting demand for a product in the next time period.
Deductive Reasoning: Ability to use logic and asses the implications of an argument.
Example: Supervisor choosing between two different suggestions offered by employees.
Spatial Visualization: Ability to imagine how an object would look if its position in space were changed.
Example: Interior decorator redecorating the office.
Memory: Ability to retain and recall past experiences.
Example: Salesperson remembering the names of customer.
Physical Ability
Physical Ability is the ability to perform some physical act; contrasting with mental ability.
In other words, Physical Ability is the capacity to do task that demand stamina, dexterity, strength and similar characteristics.
Dimensions of Physical Ability
Strength Factors:
1. Dynamic Strength: Ability to exert muscular force repeatedly or continuously over time.
2. Trunk Strength: Ability to exert muscular strength using the trunk (particularly abdominal) muscles.
3. Static Strength: Ability to exert force against external objects.
4. Explosive Strength: Ability to expend a maximum of energy in one or a series of explosive acts.
Flexibility Factors:
5. Extent flexibility: Ability to move the trunk and back muscles as far as possible.
6. Dynamic flexibility: Ability to make rapid, repeated flexing movement.
Other Factors:
7. Body coordination: Ability to coordinate the simultaneous actions of different parts of the body.
8. Balance: Ability to maintain equilibrium despite forces pulling off balance.
9. Stamina: Ability to continue maximum effort requiring prolonged effort over time.
