Purpose
Measures the reasoning, mathematics and language skills an individual acquired and retained. These skills can be learned through formal and informal education, self-study, and experience. They are important in one's ability to follow instructions and make judgments, acquire knowledge and master the skills for satisfactory performance in a job or in training.
Reasoning
Some level of reasoning is required in every job in the U.S. Labor Market. Reasoning involves the skills of applying common sense understanding to interpreting and carrying out instructions (written, oral, or diagrammatic) or applying logical thinking to solve problems. Being able to reason depends on the complexity of the job and ranges from dealing with standardized situations, with few or no variables to comprehending the most abstract concepts. Reasoning is required to perform all work, from designing and conducting experiments in anthropology, to administering justice in a court of law, to tending a band saw, to giving standard medications as directed by a physician or nurse, or to guarding a street crossing.
Mathematics
The acquisition of mathematical skills begins with learning to count and, for some people continues through studying the most complex theories involving numbers. Only a small percentage of the jobs in the U.S. require very high levels of mathematical skills. Those who perform statistical analyses conduct research in mathematical apply mathematics, or theories need advanced skills in those areas. Most jobs, however, require the mathematics skills generally acquired in the first twelfth grades. Work requiring these math skills is performed by teachers in computing grades, by shipping and receiving clerks in sorting packages, by accountants in the preparation of balance sheets, by truckers calculating mileage, or by salespeople in receiving payments and making change.
Language
Comprehension and communication of language are required in all jobs. On any job language skills are required for a worker to comprehend instructions or the parameters of the job, given orally, in writting, or by demonstration. High skills levels in language are required to be a teacher, counselor, lawyer, or reporter. Other workers use language skills to interview applicants, type, conduct census surveys, route mail, or read blueprints. The accurate measurement of language skills assists people in assessing their present level, enabling them to identify immediate objectives for obtaining long range goals.
SAGE Main Page
