Before further comparative research is undertaken into African abilities, it would be as well to study them per se, within their own cultural context. Suggested subjects are: (1) Mental development from birth to maturity, with special attention to the alleged check in mental growth at puberty. (2) Mental characteristics of African languages. These have an important influence on the process of thought and structure of the mind, a point often overlooked in the so-called “culture-free” intelligence tests, which involve logical thinking typical of Western European languages. (3) Musical Ability — Many African people excel in the ability to manipulate auditory relations, and a study of the nature and determinants of the mental processes involved would be rewarding. (4) Arts and Crafts — These have so far been studied chiefly from the cultural and aesthetic point of view. A psychological study of the manual and perceptual skills involved, their development and transferability outside their cultural context is required. (5) African Games — Some of these require perceptual and imaginal thinking of a high order, which may throw light on the capacity for quantitative and abstract thought of the African mind. These studies will indicate which aspects of mental function require more intensive research, and what kind of tests will prove useful research instruments. The testing of African occupational suitability presents fewer problems. Tests need not unravel the contributions of nature and nurture, but should measures individual adaptability and indicate available occupational skills and ceilings. The conditions to be satisfied by such tests are discussed in detail. For long-term planning of an educational system appropriate for African societies, it will of course be necessary to know the distribution of basic abilities and temperament qualities among African peoples.
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