Development and Evaluation of Integrating Details: A Complex Spatial Problem Solving Test
Abstract
This report summarizes the theory behind and the development, evaluation, and refinement of a complex spatial processing test, Integrating Details. In the course of revamping and making the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) adaptive, the opportunity exists for replacing or adding test to the battery. Tests of spatial ability, a major dimension of human intelligence, are not represented in the ASVAB so they are reasonable candidates for inclusion. The vast psychometric literature on spatial ability suggests that only complex spatial tests are likely to be valid for both school and job performance. Theoretical and empirical work from visual cognition and mental imagery provided further guidelines for the development of a complex spatial test. Methodological techniques from componential analysis were used to initiate the test and develop an information processing model for test item solution. The results suggest that Integrating Details is a complex spatial problem solving test, that is relatively independent of verbal ability, that the test is reliable and has substantial construct validity. Furthermore, analyses demonstrate that the ability measured by Integrating Details is substantially unique from those measured by the ASVAB and thus there is ample opportunity for the test to augment the predictive validity of the ASVAB. A final 40-item version of the test is recommended for advanced development and validation with military enlisted personnel.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA205860
Entities
People
- David L. Alderton