Capturing Temperament Constructs with Objective Biodata
Abstract
The purpose of this research is to develop biographical data (biodata) indicators of attrition and leadership potential and performance that can measure relevant temperament constructs suitable for an admissions package at the U.S. Military Academy (USMA). The Army temperament measure Assessment of Background and Life Experience (ABLE) and a 73-item biodata instrument were administered to 1,325 incoming USMA cadets in July 1990. The biodata items were used to produce analogs to five ABLE scales. The relationship of the ABLE scales to their biodata analogs to three criteria (attrition from 6-week summer training, leadership ratings from the 6-week period, and leadership ratings from fall semester) and the incremental contributions of ABLE and biodata analogs beyond the current USMA Whole Candidate Score (WCS) were evaluated. Results demonstrated that the biodata scales showed strong relationships to their equivalent ABLE scales and comparable relationships to the criteria in 13 of 15 comparisons. Also, for each criterion, either overall ABLE of the biodata equivalent added incremental validity over and above the WCS. Five of the six biodata scales had significantly smaller correlations with a social desirability scale than the equivalent ABLE scale. The results demonstrate the potential role of a biodata measure in an admissions package as a versatile indicator of attrition and leadership ability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1991
- Accession Number
- ADA245119
Entities
People
- Amy C. Schwartz
- Fred A. Mael
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences