Relationship of the Basic Attributes Test to Tactical Reconnaissance Pilot Performance
Abstract
This research study was conducted to contribute to the United States Air Force Pilot Selection and Classification Research and Development Program. Specifically, this was a pilot project with the purpose of providing concurrent validity information on the ability of the Basic Attributes Test (BAT) to measure the unique abilities of successful tactical reconnaissance pilots. This was accomplished by proposing criterion measures of successful reconnaissance pilot performance and comparing them to pilot BAT scores. The BAT consists of a newly developed group of tests designed to assess psychomotor skills, and psychological and cognitive attributes believed to be associated with successful pilot performance. A second purpose of the study was to explore the use of supervisor rankings as a possible future criterion measure of pilot performance. This was achieved by comparing reconnaissance pilot performance measures to the rank-order assigned to a pilot by his supervisors. The results of the study indicated that three BAT cognitive tests (Decision Making Speed, Item Recognition, and Mental Rotation) were significantly related to pilot performance. These results suggest that further studies should be conducted to determine if the BAT could be used to improve the selection of reconnaissance pilots. The results also indicated that supervisory rank-ordering was not related to performance. These findings imply that personnel rating systems should be used with caution when used as a criterion of pilot performance. Keywords: Personnel selection; Performance(Human); Skills; Thesis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA185760
Entities
People
- Timothy G. Kinney
Organizations
- Air Force Institute of Technology