Basic Attributes Test (BAT) System: A Preliminary Evaluation
Abstract
Recent efforts to reduce attrition rates in Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) have resulted in the development of an experimental computer-administered test battery, the Basic Attributes Test (BAT) system. Included in the battery are several tests which measure information processing efficiency and speed that were identified in previous research as being related to pilot performance, particularly with regard to fast jet fighter aircraft. This paper evaluated three subtests used to assess cognitive abilities: Digit Memory (information input efficiency), Decision-Making Speed (low level cognitive and high-level sensory perceptual-motor involvement), and Item Recognition (short-term memory storage, search and comparison operations). Each of the subtests was evaluated in terms of its ability to predict various flight performance measures and final training outcome. Of particular interest was the potential of the cognitive subtests to increase the validity of current selection procedures that rely mainly on paper-and-pencil measures. In addition, an integrated model containing both current selection measure and experimental subtests did demonstrate significant relationships with several other performance measures including recommendations for fighter assignments after training. Keywords: Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT), Information processing, Pilot selection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1987
- Accession Number
- ADA188503
Entities
People
- Thomas R. Carretta
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory