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What is one of the main functions of an aptitude test?

1. To evaluate personality strengths

2. To measure knowledge acquired from instruction

3. To predict future performance

4. To assess current socioeconomic status

The correct answer is: To predict future performance

An aptitude test is designed primarily to predict an individual's potential to succeed in a particular task or field based on their inherent abilities and skills. This predictive nature allows such tests to assess how well a person is likely to perform in specific activities, jobs, or educational pursuits. The rationale is that individuals with high aptitude in certain areas—such as logical reasoning, numerical ability, or verbal skills—are more likely to excel in related tasks or roles. Evaluating personality strengths involves understanding an individual's traits and characteristics, which does not align with the primary purpose of an aptitude test, as these tests focus more on skills and cognitive abilities rather than personality. Measuring knowledge acquired from instruction refers to achievement tests, which assess what a person has learned and is often tied to specific educational content, rather than predicting future performance. Assessing current socioeconomic status is outside the scope of what aptitude tests are meant to measure. Aptitude tests focus on individual capabilities and potential rather than demographic or economic factors. Thus, the ability of aptitude tests to forecast future performance in specific areas makes option C the most fitting description of their main function.