ASVAB Correlations Are Lower for Higher Aptitude Groups.
Abstract
Previous research demonstrates that correlations among IQ tests are lower when estimated using higher scoring individuals. However, this phenomenon has only been documented using individually administered measures of intelligence, and attempts to extend the demonstration to other specialized aptitudes have failed. The present study divides the 1980 Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) weighted norming sample into five aptitude levels with similar levels of variance. Analyses show that the ASVAB tests are less correlated within higher aptitude groups provided that the scales used to define the groups are psychometrically sound: for three highly skewed ASVAB tests, a ceiling effect prevents this phenomenon; for the remaining seven tests the phenomenon replicates; and the magnitude of the effect is proportional to the skewness of the scale, r=.85. These findings support the assertion that cognitive aptitudes are less correlated in higher aptitude groups, imply that greater classification effects can be associated with higher scoring groups, and qualify the use of the multivariate correction for restriction of range.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1997
- Accession Number
- ADA328529
Entities
People
- Frances C. Grafton
- Mark E. Pifer
- Peter J. Legree
Organizations
- U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences