An evaluation of performance-based tests designed to improve naval aviation selection.

Abstract

This report describes the evaluation of a portion of a new aircrew selection test battery recently developed at the Naval Aerospace Medical Research Laboratory. The results indicate that performance-based test measures can be used to predict flight training performance. Several test measures were reliably related to a pass/fail criterion. These results provide support for the prediction of whether or not a candidate will pass or fail training. The results of a hierarchical multiple regression revealed that scores from three tests, 1) Absolute Difference-Horizontal rracking, 2) Complex Visual Information, and 3) Risk-taking Task, were generally equivalent in predicting success in primary flight training. Interactions of college major and accession source with derived scores of the three significant tests contributed significant amounts of variability when added to the model. We recommend that the valid tests from this study Le implemented for operational use * with the AQT/FAR. The use of hierarchical multiple regression wiLh the tests will isolate those specific measures capable of accounting for added and unique variance, beyond that of the AQT/FAR and certain demographic variables, in th.ý prediction of primary flight training course. 14. SUBJECT TERMS 15. NUMBER OF PAGES aviation selection, attrition, prediction, flight training, 37 erformance-based, psychomotor tests, psychological tests 16. PRICE CODE 17. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 18. SECURITY CLASSIFICATION 19. SECURITY CLASSIFICATIOPN 20. LIMITATION OF ABSTRACC

Computer-based psychomotor tests in optimal training track assignment of student naval aviators.

“…We were also interested in one CBPT developed by NAMRL (see Blower & Dolgin, 1991). Research has identified that the Psychomotor Test/ Dichotic ListenLig Test (PMT/DLT) is the most powerful if the N.AMRL CBPTs (Delaney, 1992;Street, Chapman, & Helton, 1993).…”

“…The subtests are arranged in ascending order of difficulty with the final subtest involving coordination of three cursors. A detailed description of the PMT/DLT subtests and variables may be found in Blower and Dolgin (1991) and Shull (1991). The presentation order, administration time, and description of the various components of the PMT/DLT are presented in Table I.…”

“…Psychomotor coordination tests have been the most robust strategies for training performance prediction. These strategies typically focus on eye-hand-foot coordination in their simplest forms, although more promising strategies have combined such skills with information processing, problem solving, and reaction time in an aircraft-iike environment (Damos, 1987;Blower & Dolgin, 1991). Information processing tests measure the speed and efficiency with which an individual makes decisions about sensory information (i.e., hearing, vision, and touch) in an aircrew environment.…”

Predicting primary flight grades by averaging over linear regression models: Part 1

“…As part of this study, the volunteer subjects were also administered NAMRL's Computer Based Performance Test (CBPT) Battery. See Blower and Dolgin [4] for a detailed description of the tests in this battery.…”

Readiness to Perform Testing: A Critical Analysis of the Concept and Current Practices

“…These are usually cases where the job task is similar to the screening task. Other studies suggest that brief (e.g., three to five minute) samples of presumably relevant performance tasks predict job performance modestly (e.g., studies on pilot selection; see Blower and Dolgin, 1991). Thus, the fundamental question of whether one can predict more complex job performance from simple tasks is far from answered.…”