Aptitude testing for metalworking occupations.

Abstract

NTRODUCTIONThe basic importance of the various metalworking occupations to the productive capacity of a nation has probably never been so forcefully demonstrated as it has been in the past several years. Both the earlier defense program and the more recent war production program presented ample evidence of the need for skilled and semi-skilled workers in the metal trades before full-scale production can get under way. Despite the fact that the United States is considered to be the most highly industrialized nation in the world, surprisingly little work (and much of that inadequate according to present standards) has been done to determine the aptitudes required of an individual for successful performance in occupations comprising the metal trades. A disproportionate amount of study appears to have been devoted to the clerical and sales occupations in the commercial field. This resume with its appended bibliography is intended to call attention to a fertile field for aptitude studies and to provide a review of the pertinent studies reported prior to October, 1943.The references reviewed are limited to those which investigated the aptitudes necessary for successful performance in the skilled metalworking occupations carrying occupational codes ranging from 4-71.000 through 4-95.999. Reference to Part II of the Dictionary of Occupational Titles (109, pages 80-87) will disclose that the following three-digit occupational groups are included under this classification of Metalworking Occupations: 4-71 Jewelers, Watchmakers, Goldsmiths, and Silversmiths 4-72 Occupations in Manufacture of Clocks, Watches, Jewelery, and Articles of Precious Metals 4-73 Engravers 4-74 Occupations in Electroplating, Galvanizing, and Related Processes 4-75 Machinists-. . . . . . . 4-76 Toolmakers and Die Sinkers and Setters 4-77 Filers, Grinders, Buffers, and Polishers (Metal) 4-78 Machine Shop and Related Occupations 4-80 Tinsmiths, Coppersmiths, and Sheet-Metal Workers 4-81 Moklers 4-82 Foundry Occupations 4-83 Boilermakers 4-84 Structural-and Ornamental-Metal Workers 4-85 Welders and Flame Cutters 4-86 Blacksmiths, Forgemen, and Hammermen 4-87 Heat Treaters, Annealers, and Tempere'rs * This paper is based on the introductory material contained in the author's thesis (34) submitted to the Graduate School of the University of Wisconsin in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Doctor of Philosophy.f On military leave.