Incremental Validity of New Computerized Aptitude Tests for Predicting Training Performance in Nine Navy Technical Schools

摘要

During their second week of basic training, 4,989 Navy recruits assigned to one of nine technical training schools were administered a battery of six experimental computerized aptitude tests measuring four constructs: working memory, spatial ability, reasoning, and perceptual speed. In the afternoon of the same day, the recruits were administered the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB). The multiple correlations of all 10 ASVAB tests with the criteria were compared with the multiple correlations of all 10 ASVAB tests plus the additional tests. Results showed that (1) the battery of new tests significantly improved the prediction of the criteria for five of the nine schools; (2) the largest validity increases (up to 16.7%) were observed for the laboratory practical performance criteria, while conventional Final School Grades (FSGs) had smaller validity increases; and (3) every new predictor significantly improved validity in one or more schools.