Interest = Ability?

[Eldanen]

How reliable is a person's interest in a subject or topic in indicating what their aptitude in it might be?

 

[nonsequitur]

Um, I would say that there's little to no relation. Interest might make someone more likely to work at understanding it, but doesn't have any effect on natural ability.

I know this kid who's always wanted to be a researcher, scored highly on every exam... but is EPIC FAIL at lab work because she just doesn't have the critical thinking/troubleshooting ability. And my sister's good at just about everything, so she can pick to make a career out of her interests, and leave those that she's not interested in (but was still exceptional at) behind.

 

[ajblaise]

If someone is interested in something, they are more likely to learn about it and increase their aptitude concerning it.

Of course there will be a positive correlation, but as for it being an indicator of how much ability someone has, I wouldn't rely on it.

Some people are avid fans of things that they are absolutely horrible at.

 

[Jack Flak]

Spontaneous interest means nothing. It's interest which lasts for years which usually provides for some skill in whatever it is.

 

[Eldanen]

So, is it also conversely possible to be awesome at something you hate? That sucks.

 

[Jack Flak]

So, is it also conversely possible to be awesome at something you hate? That sucks.

I'm pretty good at talking to you on the internet! I kid, I kid.

 

[FDG]

Let's say that over a medium-to-long time scale, the only people that remain very interested in a subject are also those that are good at it.

 

[Amargith]

So, is it also conversely possible to be awesome at something you hate? That sucks.

Yes, or something you do not care about

Even worse, it is possible to be mediocre forever at something you love

 

[Simplexity]

Like love itself?

 

[The_Liquid_Laser]

How reliable is a person's interest in a subject or topic in indicating what their aptitude in it might be?

There is definitely a positive correlation between the two regardless as long as the interest lasts. Of course a person who is interested for longer will have greater improvement in aggregate.

 

[wolfy]

Interests are the best indicator of latent talents.

 

[Littlelostnf]

How reliable is a person's interest in a subject or topic in indicating what their aptitude in it might be?

I'm reading Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell (who I love and want to marry) and you might find it of interest in answering your question.

 

[mlittrell]

when it comes to me, if im interested i can do anything, realistically of course. so i think intrest does equal ability.