The Use of the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) as a Predictor of Early Discharge from the U.S. Army,
Abstract
Recent research by Maier and Grafton (1981) has demonstrated the effectiveness of aptitude composites from the ASVAB 8, 9, and 10 in predicting training success and job proficiency. The present study was concerned with assessing the ability of the ASVAB composite scores to discriminate individuals in Infantry training recommended for early separation under the Trainee Discharge Program (TDP) from successful trainees. The composite scores of 87 TDPs and 87 non-TDPs were compared. A discriminant analysis revealed that approximately 69% of the TDPs and 69% of the successful trainees could be correctly classified using a weighted combination of three ASVAB composites. The classification functions derived from the initial sample were applied to a second sample (N=80) and showed that approximately 70% of both the TDPs and successful recruits could be correctly classified. When these classification functions were applied to a more realistic sample (N=419) and success-failure base rate was taken into account, it was found that 97% of the successful recruits could be correctly classified, but only 3% of the TDPs. Reasons for the ASVAB's inability to accurately identify TDPs and directions for future research are discussed.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADP001337
Entities
People
- Beverly Williams
- Edward Kemery
- Frederick Dyer
- Robert Pleban