Joint Use of the MAB-II and MicroCog for Improvements in the Clinical and Neuropsychological Screening and Aeromedical Waiver Process of Rated USAF Pilots

摘要

Intelligence testing and neuropsychological screening is critical to USAF medical flight screening and aeromedical waiver procedures for pilots. A confirmatory factor analysis was conducted on the intelligence test scores from the Multidimensional Aptitude Battery (MAB-II) and neuropsychological screening from the five first-level indices of the MicroCog. The sample consisted of 10, 612 USAF pilot applicants selected for training. Subtest correlations and measurement models were estimated for both tests. A joint factor analysis using the measurement models of the MAB-II and MicroCog showed positive correlations between factors identified for the two tests and between subtests measuring specific cognitive aptitudes. Similarities and differences among scores are discussed. Normative tables demonstrate cognitive aptitudes for USAF pilot applicants are in the high average to superior range when compared to the general population. The normative tables improve interpretation of scores for USAF pilots and an aeromedical clinical case vignette is provided to illustrate practical applications of the study.