Methods for Predicting Job-Ability Requirements: IV. Task Characteristics, Ability Requirements, and Problem-Solving Strategies.
Abstract
The report describes the fourth and final study in a program of research dealing with the relationships between the characteristics of human tasks and the abilities required for task performance. The goal of the program has been to generate principles which can be used to identify ability requirements from knowledge of the characteristics of a task and of variations in the conditions of task performance. Such knowledge has important implications for both selection and training of personnel. The three previous studies examined the relationship between variations in an auditory signal identification, a troubleshooting, and a problem-solving task, and consequent changes in the abilities related to task performance. The results of these studies were that complex changes in the ability requirements related to performance occurred in response to variations in task characteristics. In the fourth and final study, possible interactions among task variations, ability profiles and subject strategies were examined within the context of the troubleshooting and problem-solving tasks previously studied. In general, knowledge of a subject's problem-solving strategy was useful in obtaining a clearer understanding of ability requirements under different conditions of task performance.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA015719
Entities
People
- Andrew M. Rose
- George R. Wheaton
- Paul W. Fingerman
Organizations
- American Institutes for Research