Life Path Analysis and Performance: Factors Relating to Success Among Minority Enlisted Personnel in the Navy

摘要

The Life Path Questionnaire (LPQ) was developed and refined as a non-traditional predictor of success and retention in the Navy. It is predicted on the assumption that premilitary experiences are related to attrition and military performance. This assumption has been demonstrated by previous researchers and the current author in previous research. The LPQ yields scores for six major scales: Adaptability, Relationship with Authority Figures, Early Maturity, Family Relationships, Personal Competence, and Vocational Maturity. In the previous research a significant relationship was found between the LPQ scales and measures of both success and retention in the Navy. This previous research, however, suggested that there might be differences. The current research was directed at determining if blacks and whites differ significantly in their responses on the LPQ. If differences do occur, are these differences in premilitary experience significant factors in predicting success and retention in the Navy.