Investigation of Item-Pair Presentation and Construct Validity of the Navy Computer Adaptive Personality Scales (NCAPS)

Abstract

This report documents one of the steps in our development of the Navy Computer Adaptive Personality Scales (NCAPS). NCAPS is a computer adaptive personality measure being developed and validated for use in the selection and classification of Sailors for entry level Navy enlisted jobs. This is an important component of our research program to overhaul and improve the Navy's enlisted selection and classification process. The over program, Whole Person Assessment, is designed to replace the current classification algorithm with a more flexible and accurate one that will also allow us to de-emphasize the almost exclusive focus on mental ability by including personality and interest measures in making classification decisions. NCAPS uses a cutting-edge technological approach to personality measurement which is designed to mitigate many problems that plague traditional instruments. Specifically, traditional instruments use Likert rating scales, and therefore are subject to both directed faking and socially desirable responding. To minimize these problems, NCAPS is developing a paired forced-choice item format, which uses a complex item response theory (IRT) adaptive selection and scoring algorithm. The complexity and novelty of the design constraints requires a series of interrelated research projects. This report is one in the series and fulfills the need to further explore the adaptive components and construct validity of NCAPS.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Oct 01, 2006
Accession Number
ADA462003

Entities

People

  • Christina M. Underhill

Organizations

  • Navy Personnel Research, Studies, and Technology

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Algorithms
  • Applied Psychology
  • Classification
  • Computers
  • Employment
  • Human Factors Engineering
  • Instructors
  • Management Personnel
  • Measurement
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Research
  • Naval Personnel
  • Organizational Structure
  • Psychology
  • Ratings
  • Students
  • War Colleges

Readers

  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
  • Systems Analysis and Design