A Culture-Free Performance Test of General Learning Ability.
Abstract
Random polygons were used as stimuli in a two-choice multiple discrimination learning paradigm designed to test individual learning ability. Information processing rate (IPR) was used as the measure of learning ability. Variables in the test design were: racial group (white, nonwhite), pacing mode (self-paced, Machine-paced), and stimulus similarity. Subjects were 121 white and 39 nonwhite male Navy recruits. Over 10 trials, a learning effect was demonstrated, with internal (split-half) test reliability of .84 overall. White performance was superior to nonwhite only in the machine-paced mode. Significant correlation between IPR and Navy General Classification Test (GCT) scores was seen for the entire group, but was present only in the white subgroup when the sample was divided by race. Stimulus similarity did not prove to be a significant factor. It was concluded that a reliable, culture-free test of general learning ability was practicable, although its validity with respect to on-job performance has yet to be established. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA025412
Entities
People
- Peter Adams Young
Organizations
- Naval Postgraduate School