Basic Attributes Test (BAT) System: A Preliminary Evaluation

reportActive / Technical Report | Accession Number: ADA188503 | Open PDF

Abstract:

Recent efforts to reduce attrition rates in Air Force Undergraduate Pilot Training UPT have resulted in the development of an experimental computer-administered test battery, the Basic Attributes Test BAT system. Included in the battery are several tests which measure information processing efficiency and speed that were identified in previous research as being related to pilot performance, particularly with regard to fast jet fighter aircraft. This paper evaluated three subtests used to assess cognitive abilities Digit Memory information input efficiency, Decision-Making Speed low level cognitive and high-level sensory perceptual-motor involvement, and Item Recognition short-term memory storage, search and comparison operations. Each of the subtests was evaluated in terms of its ability to predict various flight performance measures and final training outcome. Of particular interest was the potential of the cognitive subtests to increase the validity of current selection procedures that rely mainly on paper-and-pencil measures. In addition, an integrated model containing both current selection measure and experimental subtests did demonstrate significant relationships with several other performance measures including recommendations for fighter assignments after training. Keywords Air Force Officer Qualifying Test AFOQT, Information processing, Pilot selection.

Author(s):
Carretta, Thomas R.
Author Organization(s):
AIR FORCE HUMAN RESOURCES LAB BROOKS AFB TX
Descriptive Note:
Interim technical paper Jun 1983-Jun 1986
Pagination:
0032

Security Markings

DOCUMENT & CONTEXTUAL SUMMARY

Distribution:
Approved For Public Release

RECORD

Collection: TR
Identifying Numbers
Report Number(s):
AFHRL-TP-87-20
Task Number(s):
18
Project Number(s):
7719
Monitor Series:
AFHRL
 Subject Terms
Joint Capability Areas:
JCA_5_Command and Control; JCA_3_Force Application; JCA_3.1.1_Maneuver to Engage; JCA_3.1_Maneuver; JCA_1_Force Support; JCA_5.3_Planning; JCA_1.2_Force Preparation; JCA_1.2.1_Training; JCA_5.4_Decide; JCA_5.5.2_Task; JCA_5.5_Direct; JCA_1.3_Human Capital Management; JCA_1.3.2_Personnel Management; JCA_1.2.3_Educating; JCA_1.2.5_Lessons Learned; JCA_8.2.5_Strengthen Global Defense Posture; JCA_8.2_Shape; JCA_8_Building Partnerships; JCA_1.1_Force Management; JCA_3.2_Engagement
Modernization Areas:
Directed Energy
Communities of Interest:
Human Systems
Descriptor(s):
*PERFORMANCE(HUMAN), *PILOTS, *AIR FORCE TRAINING, *COMPUTER APPLICATIONS, VELOCITY, INPUT, FIGHTER AIRCRAFT, INTEGRATED SYSTEMS, DECISION MAKING, MODELS, TRAINING, FLIGHT CREWS, PERFORMANCE TESTS, COMPARISON, COGNITION, MEMORY(PSYCHOLOGY), ATTRITION, RATES, EFFICIENCY, AIR FORCE PERSONNEL, SHORT RANGE(TIME), JET FIGHTERS, RECOGNITION, STORAGE, OFFICER PERSONNEL, MENTAL ABILITY, SELECTION, PERCEPTION(PSYCHOLOGY), APTITUDE TESTS, INFORMATION PROCESSING, PSYCHOMOTOR TESTS, JET AIRCRAFT
Field(s)/Group(s):
Psychology, Personnel Management and Labor Relations
Keyword(s):
AFOQT(AIR FORCE OFFICER QUALIFYING TEST), BATS(BASIC ATTRIBUTES TESTING SYSTEM), PILOT SELECTION, PE62703F, WUAFMRL77191845
Report Date:
1987 Nov 01