VALIDATION OF EXPERIMENTAL TOOL AND TRADE KNOWLEDGE TESTS.
Abstract
The purpose of the research is to develop new and replacement tests for the Army Classification Battery and to maintain the effectiveness of the battery so that the Army can make optimal use of the potential and developed skills of enlisted men. In particular, updated measures of mechanical information were needed which would better predict performance in construction and related mechanical jobs requiring moderate technical skills. Experimental tool knowledge and trade knowledge measures were developed and administered to samples of enlisted men in advanced individual training courses in five construction job areas. One measure of tool knowledge and two of trade knowledge were derived in each sample. The 25-item tests were cross-validated in independent samples. Parameter values were obtained in a general enlisted input sample (N=616). Composites in which the experimental tests were substituted for operational ACB mechanical aptitude measures were compared with ACB composites in terms of predictive effectiveness. Contribution of the new tests to differential classification was estimated from their regression weights as part of the full ACB. The 25-item Tool Knowledge and Trade Knowledge tests were generally more effective perdictors of training performance in the five construction MOS than the currently operational Mechanical Aptitude and Shop Mechanics tests. As components of aptitude area scores, the new tests also gave promise of better differential prediction of performance than is achieved with MA or SM.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1965
- Accession Number
- AD0621700
Entities
People
- William H. Helme