A STUDY OF THE WORLD WAR II NAVY CAREERS OF ILLITERATES SENT THROUGH LITERACY TRAINING
Abstract
Comparisons were made between 1026 illiterates, 1021 literates (control group), and 999 men who had low verbal intelligence scores; all entered the Navy at about the same time and from similar geographical locations. The data were intended to indicate: (1) the background facts from which possible success predictions could be made; and (2) the Navy career facts which would permit comparisons of success in duty assignments. Most of the conclusions were based on the comparison of the control group with the illiterates. The illiterates displayed the following characteristics. They (1) were more likely to be assigned to construction battalions and less likely to permanent party or to auxiliary ships; (2) received a lower proficiency in rate (50% received 3.5 or over as compared to 73% for the control group); (3) received fewer promotions (15% made the petty officer grade as compared to 37% of the control group); (4) received more disciplinary actions (23% vs 11%); (5) lost more time because of misconduct (20% vs 7%); (6) received fewer honorable discharges (83% vs 88%); (7) more frequently received medical surveys (19% vs 15%); (8) were somewhat more likely to get venereal diseases (5% vs 3%); and (9) were somewhat less likely to generate VA disability claims (11% vs 9%). The 2 groups showed about equivalent lengths of service and hospitalization. Most illiterates appeared to make acceptable adjustments to Navy assignments. Evaluations of educational background, civilian occupational experience, literacy, and nonverbal intelligence permitted a good prediction of success in the literacy training program and a fair prediction of success in subsequent Navy duty.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 01, 1953
- Accession Number
- AD0010843
Entities
People
- Elizabeth P. Hagen
- Robert L. Thorndike
Organizations
- Columbia University