The main difference between aptitude and attitude is that aptitude is a person’s natural ability to learn something, while attitude is a person’s feelings, opinions or perspectives about something.
Aptitude measures a person’s ability to acquire a new skill or ability. It’s a measure related to intelligence. Attitude, on the other hand, is one’s mental perspective about a particular issue or person.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Aptitude
– Definition, Features
2. What is Attitude
– Definition, Features
3. Difference Between Aptitude and Attitude
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Aptitude, Attitude
What is Aptitude
Aptitude is a person’s natural ability to learn something. It’s an inborn potential to excel in a certain area. For example, a person with an aptitude for language can learn foreign languages easily. He or she may be able to memorize words and learn the structure of a language with ease. An aptitude can be mental or physical. There are different types of aptitudes, such as mechanical aptitude, linguistic aptitude, artistic aptitude, organizational aptitude, physical aptitude, etc. We can categorize physical aptitude into several aspects like good hand-eye coordination, agility, and strength.
A person can have more than one aptitude that fit together and will help in succeeding in certain tasks. For example, an aptitude for dancing, singing, and acting can help a person to succeed in the field of performance arts. Furthermore, there are various tests to measure the aptitudes of a person. We call these aptitude tests.
What is Attitude
An attitude is one’s opinion or standpoint about something. It can be described as “a set of emotions, beliefs, and behaviors toward a particular object, person, thing, or event”. Attitudes are based on a person’s experiences, values, beliefs, and emotions. Therefore, they are personal responses set according to personal preferences. For example, two people can have two very different attitudes towards the same issue, i.e., one person may show a positive attitude while the other may show a negative attitude. This is why there is so much controversy around issues like homosexuality, abortions, and religion. Attitudes of a person have a strong influence over his or her behaviour. Moreover, the way a person behaves in a situation depends on his or her attitudes.
In psychology, attitudes are categorized into three main components as affective, behavioural and cognitive. We also call this the ABC model of attitudes. Affective indicates how something makes you feel, while behavioural indicates how attitude influences your behaviour. Moreover, the cognitive component is related to your thoughts and beliefs about a subject.
Furthermore, attitudes can be either explicit or implicit. Explicit attitudes are attitudes that we are consciously aware of. They influence our behaviours and beliefs. Implicit attitudes, on the other hand, are unconscious, but they do have an effect on our beliefs and behaviours.
Difference Between Aptitude and Attitude
Definition
Aptitude is a person’s natural ability to learn something, while attitude is a person’s feeling, opinion or perspective about something.
Description
Aptitude measures a person’s ability to acquire a new skill or ability. Attitude, on the other hand, is one’s mental perspective about a particular issue or person.
Nature
While aptitude is related to talent, attitude is related to character and personality.
Mental vs Physical
Aptitudes can be mental or physical while attitudes are mental.
Conclusion
The main difference between aptitude and attitude is that aptitude is a person’s natural ability to learn something, while attitude is a person’s feeling, opinion or perspective about something.
Reference:
1. Cherry, Kendra. “How Can Our Attitudes Change and Influence Behaviors?” Verywell Mind, Available here.
2. “What Is Aptitude?” Indeed Career Guide, Available here.
Image Courtesy:
1. “770044” (CC0) via Pixabay
2. “Attitude” By Nick Youngson (CC BY-SA 3.0) Alpha Stock Images via The Blue Diamond Gallery
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