An investigation into the use of cognitive ability tests in the identification of gifted students in design and technology

Abstract

This study examines whether MidYIS and YELLIS cognitive ability tests (CATs) are appropriate methods for the identification of giftedness in Design and Technology. A key rationale for the study was whether CATs are able to identify those students with the aptitudes considered of importance to identifying giftedness in Design and Technology and their use in connection with target setting. A review of the literature on CATs in relation to giftedness reveals support for their use in the Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) fields. A review of the general literature on giftedness suggests methods other than CATs should be used for identification purposes in D&T. The study recommends greater use of Design and Technology specific assessments for the identification of giftedness and target setting. Consideration is given to the use of creativity and the nonverbal element of CATs as alternative methods of identification.