Incremental Validity of Biographical Data in the Prediction of En Route Air Traffic Control Specialist Technical Skills

Previous research demonstrated that an empirically-keyed, response-option scored biographical data biodata scale predicted supervisory ratings of air traffic control specialist ATCS job performance Dean Broach, 2011. This research focused on the validity of scores on the Controller Background Assessment Survey CBAS in predicting an objective, computerized measure of en route controller technical skills. Method. The analysis was conducted in two steps. First, computerized aptitude test battery AT-SAT scores for 229 en route controllers were regressed on the Computer-Based Performance Measure CBPM Hanson, Borman, Mogilka, Manning, Hedge, 1999. Second, biodata scores were entered into the equation. Results. AT-SAT scores accounted for 27 of variance in the criterion measure Beta0.520, adjusted R2.271, p.001. Biodata accounted for an additional 2 of the variance in CBPM Beta0.134 adjusted DeltaR20.016, DeltaF5.040, p.05. Discussion. The empirically-keyed, response-option scored biodata scale demonstrated incremental validity over the computerized aptitude test battery in predicting scores representing the core technical skills of en route controllers. Utility analysis suggested that even a small increment in validity was likely to have substantial organizational utility, given the high applicant volume and ATCS training costs. Further research to examine the relationship of CBAS scores to training outcomes at the FAA Academy and in field ATC facilities is recommended.