Did you ever play the game “Spot the Difference?” as a kid? You know, the game where you had to find the differences between two almost identical pictures that were side by side. Do you remember being really good at spotting those differences? If so, you were relying on your visual comparison speed.
Visual comparison speed is defined as “… a measure of visual dexterity that allows you to process information quickly and accurately.” In simple words, it’s a person’s ability to pay attention to detail at face value without having to interpret the information. Visual comparison speed is also referred to as perceptual speed.
Visual comparison speed and aptitudes
Here at YouScience, we use the word aptitude to refer to a person’s natural ability to do something. These aptitudes start to develop within your first year of life and don’t become solidified until the age of 14. Using YouScience® Aptitude & Career Discovery, you can uncover your inherent talents and give yourself a competitive advantage. Each person uses their aptitudes differently, so we have identified three unique ways that it shows up in others.
Double checker
Double checkers often miss the details and skim over the document or picture. When working on paperwork, they prefer to have more time to focus and accurately fill out the information. When double-checkers go to the store, they rely on their surroundings and memory to find what they are looking for.
List checker
List checkers fall right in the middle. They can get the task done in an average amount of time. They don’t mind administrative tasks and are efficient when completing them. List checkers tend to fall right in the middle, where they’re never the first to complete a task, but they aren’t the last, either. People with this visual comparison speed don’t mind doing administrative or clerical work, but they are also open to other tasks as well.
Visual scanner
Visual scanners can easily pick up on details such as typos or mistakes while scanning a document or sign. They tend to fill out documents quickly and correctly. Visual scanners are people who pay attention to detail. They can easily find what they’re looking for and spot mistakes or typos in documents. In office settings, visual scanners value order and efficiency.
How do I know which kind of visual comparison speed I have?
Everyone has their own unique set of talents that make them who they are. To learn more about the others, then check out your Aptitude & Career Discovery results for a personalized breakdown. However, if you find yourself taking your time to get things right, then you may have the Double checker aptitude, like me.
Double checkers excel at:
- Using apps such as Google Calendar or reminders to keep track of appointments
- Being able to read and understand information when enough time is given
- Absorbing materials by listening rather than reading on paper
Double checkers may have difficulty with:
- Being rushed to complete paperwork
- Quickly absorbing information through paper or a computer screen
- Catching typos or misspellings at first glance
- Filling out large amounts of paperwork
Ideal careers for visual comparison speed
Those with a high aptitude for visual comparison speed may want to consider the following careers:
Airline Pilot / Co-Pilot / Flight Engineer
A pilot of any kind is tasked with flying and navigating airlines or helicopters that transport people or cargo. Co-pilots are second in command and share the same responsibilities as the pilot, where they must ensure safety checks have been made and make critical decisions in a matter of seconds. Flight Engineers also serve to monitor flight instruments and operating controls.
- Median wage: $136,000
- Job outlook: 4-7% growth
Commercial Pilot
Like airline pilots, commercial pilots can still fly people and cargo. However, they differ
because they focus on rescue missions, firefighting, and crop dusting. While the duties are the same, commercial pilots have more mental stress because they have to stay calm in rescue missions and maintain focus when there are severe weather conditions.
- Median wage: $85,000
- Job outlook: 4-7%
Forensic Science Technician
Do you love solving puzzles? If so, you could make for a great Forensic Science Technician. Each day, they work in labs or on crime scenes to classify evidence, reconstruct the crime scene, and piece everything together to help solve the case. This job requires extreme attention to detail to spot the differences and combine visual information.
- Median wage: $61,000
- Job outlook: 11%
Locomotive Engineer
As a locomotive engineer, you’re responsible for ensuring that engineers and conductors are constantly communicating their routes and any changes in conditions. You will also have to interpret train orders, signals, or railroad rules and regulations that govern the locomotive industry. Most importantly, trains carry people and goods, so you must be aware of your surroundings and make decisions based on what is best for your cargo given the weather conditions.
- Median wage: $58,000
- Job outlook: 4-7%
Radiologist
Using X-ray and other medical technologies, Radiologists work inside hospitals or medical facilities to take pictures of a patient’s organs, tissues, or bones. Using your attention to detail, you will interpret these pictures to diagnose the problem and work with the doctor to create a treatment plan.
- Median wage: $208,000
- Job outlook: 4-7%
Astronomer
In this case, the sky’s not the limit, just the beginning. If you enjoy finding constellations or identifying the phases of the moon, then you may want to think about a career as an astronomer. They are tasked with studying the motions, origins, and properties of stars and planets to create theories, methods, and models.
- Median wage: $128,000
- Job outlook: 4-7%
Municipal Fire Fighting and Prevention Supervisor
After a building burns down or a forest fire starts, have you ever wondered what the cause was? As a municipal fire fighting and prevention supervisor, you will oversee a team who are in charge of putting the fire out, protecting people and property, and coordinating rescue efforts. You will be tasked with identifying firecall locations, directing which actions to take, determining what kind of fire occurred, and estimating the cost of damage.
- Median wage: $60,000
- Job outlook: 4-7%
Construction Manager
Given the recent increase in population, the construction industry is looking for people who can quickly oversee plans and projects. As a construction manager, you will split your time between the office and construction sites. You will also inspect and review projects to monitor compliance with building, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Median wage: $98,000
- Job outlook: 8-10%
Geological Sample Test Technician
Do you love spending time in nature? As a geological sample test technician, you will find yourself using advanced equipment to collect samples of rock, dirt, and sand to analyze a site for its potential to be further explored. You will also prepare professional and technical reports to convey data and recommendations.
- Median salary: $61,000
- Job outlook: 4-7%
Can I enhance my visual comparison speed?
Our aptitudes start developing when we are young, and they become more solidified around the age of 14. At this age, students are also in middle school and have more freedom to choose their classes, which can determine what career path they may go down. However, visual comparison speed can always be improved by doing exercises that use your vision, such as word searches or playing matching games. You also need to remember to take your time when doing a task. Plus, if you need a second glance, you can ask your friend to spell-check a paper for you or use sites like Grammarly to ensure a mistake-free paper.