VALIDATION OF THE 1962 NAVY COLLEGE APTITUDE TEST.
Abstract
The study investigated the validity of the 1962 edition of the Navy College Aptitude Test (NCAT) as a predictor of Grade Point Average (GPA) and Naval Science Grade (NSG) in the freshman year of college. The validities of High School Rating (HSR), NROTC Questionnaire, Interviewers' Appraisal of Motivation, and the Verbal and Mathematical scores of the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) were also determined. The sample included 1252 Regular NROTC midshipmen attending 52 colleges and universities throughout the United States. Validities of the individual and experimental NCAT subtests ranged from .20 to .34 when predicting GPA, and from .09 to .26 when predicting NSG. The NCAT Operational Score correlated .36 with GPA and .23 with NSG. HSR was the most valid predictor both singly and in combination with the NCAT. The NROTC Questionnaire and Interviewers' Appraisal were less predictive and, in some cases, negatively correlated with the criteria. Comparisons with the previous year's edition of the NCAT demonstrated a consistency in the validity of the best and poorest subtests and revealed that the later 1962 NCAT was the more valid instrument. The incorporation of the experimental Spelling subtest as an operational part of future editions of the NCAT was recommended because of its significant validity. It was suggested that the NCAT Selection Score be raised to the 60th percentile and that the selection of applicants with HSRs below four be curtailed. In an effort to improve the predictive validity of the battery it was recommended that more precise techniques be applied in future subtest construction and revision. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0619990
Entities
People
- Edmund Thomas
- Patricia Thomas
Organizations
- Naval Health Research Center