A reconsideration of testing for competence rather than for intelligence.

1 January 1991

journal article
review article
Published by American Psychological Association (APA) in American Psychologist

Vol. 46 (10) , 1012-1024
https://doi.org/10.1037//0003-066x.46.10.1012

Abstract

David C. McClelland's 1973 article has deeply influenced both professional and public opinion. In it, he presented five major themes: (a) Grades in school did not predict occupational success, (b) intelligence tests and aptitude tests did not predict occupational success or other important life outcomes, (c) tests and academic performance only predicted job performance because of an underlying relationship with social status, (d) such tests were unfair to minorities, and (e) "competencies" would be better able to predict important behaviors than would more traditional tests. Despite the pervasive influence of these assertions, this review of the literature showed only limited support for these claims.

Keywords

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