Computer-Based Job and Occupational Data Collection Methods: Feasibility Study

摘要

This report documents the process and results from a feasibility study and evaluation of computer-based occupational data collection. The study was accomplished the Air Force Occupational Measurement Squadron in collaboration with the Human Resources Directorate of the Armstrong Laboratory and the Royal Australian Air Force. The feasibility study was conducted to assess the operational and logistical problems involved with the development, implementation, and evaluation of computer-based job and occupational data collection methods. This study included an evaluation of the quality and functional equivalence of the computer-based survey data versus traditional paper-and-pencil (scanable) forms, the availability of needed computer equipment in the field, and an assessment of the costs and logistics involved with disk- based mail out surveying. Two Air Force specialties (Information Management and Aircraft Fuel Systems) were included in the study; each AFS was sampled for 1, 000 cases plus 50 task difficulty and 50 training emphasis factor ratings. While some problems were encountered in the study, particularly with the task factor rating data collection, final job inventory return rates of computer-disk surveys were quite comparable to paper-and-pencil forms. Analysis of the task information for both AFSs indicated that computer-based survey respondents tended to systematically check and rate more tasks, a result expected from previous research. Analysis of overall group job descriptions revealed few differences in percent members performing (PMP) or relative percent time spent (PTS) rankings. Correlations between paper-and-pencil and computer-based sample group mean vectors were in the high 90's for PMP and PTS factors as well as for the rank ordering of tasks on these factors. Overall, computer-based occupational surveys appear to be comparable, feasible, and economical.