AN EVALUATION OF A SHORT FORM OF THE RADIO CODE APTITUDE TEST
Abstract
The Radio Code Aptitude Test (RCAT) has been used during and since WWII in the selection of personnel for Morse Code training. As a result of recent criticism that the test was too highly speeded toward the end, and was thus hopelessly outpacing and demotivating the testees, an analysis was made of the feasibility of eliminating most of the fast-paced latter items of the RCAT. Statistical analysis of a sample of completed RCAT answer sheets showed the final sixty items (40 per cent) of the RCAT could be eliminated with no loss in psychometric efficiency. The short (60 per cent) form correlated .96 with the long form, and each form had a reliability of .95. Since most items unanswered by the testees were found to have occurred in the final, highly-speeded 40 per cent of the test, it may be assumed that testee frustration will be greatly reduced by the shortened RCAT. It is recommended that items 166 through 225 be omitted from future testing with the Radio Code Aptitude Test. A conversion table for obtaining Navy Standard Scores from the new short form RCAT is provided.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1966
- Accession Number
- AD0639224
Entities
People
- Bernard Rimland