Identification and Evaluation of Methods to Determine Ability Requirements for Air Force Occupational Specialties
Abstract
This effort reviewed the various methods which have been developed for the determination of ability requirements from job analysis data. A review of the literature identified 36 general and special purpose taxonomies which have been applied to the description of job and/or worker characteristics. Seven methods were chosen for further evaluation: Functional Job Analysis, Job Element Method, Position Analysis Questionnaire, Occupation Analysis Inventory, General Work Inventory, Threshold Traits Analysis System, and Ability Requirements Scales. These approaches were further evaluated on the basis of (a) effectiveness for the purpose of selection, (b) compatibility with Air Force occupational task analysis data, and (c) utility for Air Force operational use. It was determined that the Ability Requirements Scales (ARS) method developed by Fleishman was most appropriate for the identification of ability requirements of different Air Force occupational specialties. The ARS approach was most compatible with Air Force occupational task analysis data, provided the most extensive coverage of abilities, and provided the most direct link with tests of specific abilities. However, the ARS taxonomy appears to be incomplete with regard to all abilities relevant to job performance. Development of an Air Force taxonomy of occupational abilities was recommended. Ability requirements for an occupational specialty would be determined through subject-matter expert ratings of ability requirements for task statements categorized by the verbs in the task statements. Keywords: Air Force personnel; Personnel classification; Personnel selection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA212772
Entities
People
- Dwight C. Hageman
- Johnny J. Weismuller
- Linda E. Barrett
- Walter E. Driskill