Factor Analysis of the U. S. Navy's Aviation Interest Subtest,
Abstract
The U.S. Navy currently uses the Aviation Selection Test Battery (ASTB) to select pilots and naval flight officer candidates prior to their entry into basic flight training. The ASTB began operational use in 1992, and consists of 5 scored paper-and-pencil subtests that are converted to composite scores that are predictive of training performance and attrition. One of these subtests is the Biographical Inventory (BI). The BI is a series of questions on an individual's background and life experiences, and it was originally validated to predict early flight training attritions. Factor analytical studies have shown the 71 item BI to measure traits such as Risk-Taking Behavior, Athletic Orientation, Military Interest, Engineering Background and Independence. Since 1992, an unscored bank of non-cognitive test items, called the Aviation Interest (AI) test, has been administered to all applicants to the Navy's flight training program. The current study evaluated the factor structure of this unscored subtest with the current BI and the incremental validity the AI items might provide using a dichotomous pass/fail criterion. The factor analysis showed a large amount of overlap between the items in the AI and BI. However, at least one factor, labeled rebelliousness, was unique to the AI test. Using a horizontal weighting method for individual test item responses, a combined AI/BI test key is proposed to improve the current predictive validity of the ASTB (R = .096) and/or replace outdated BI items.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1998
- Accession Number
- ADA362220
Entities
People
- Sean Biggerstaff