I__. - International Military Testing Association

Table 6 presents the results of the Point Bi-Serial
Correlations (dichotomous to continuous variables) for the
data processing subrating. Note, again, that Item #61 and
Item #75 each have two response foils that reach statistical
significance. As a result, the 12 Biodata Factors that
validated for data processing, contain 20 statistically
significant validity coefficients.
DISCUSSION
The data from the present study, while based on relatively
small samples and still needing cross-validation, suggest -.
optimism. Among radar persons, 15 validity coefficients
reached levels of statistical significance across 9 Biodata
Factors. Among data processing people, 20 validity
coefficients reached statistically significant levels.
Moreover, the size of the coefficients are consistent with
those reported in the literature for job proficiency in
relation to biodata predictors (Mumford C Owens, 1987). In
fact, the correlations are larger than those reported for
other uses of biodata to predict military proficiency where
only ratings, rankings, and archival data were used as the
criterion (Barge & Hough, 1986).
CONCLUBIONS
A correlational analysis identified 15 items that may
predict. The data suggest that a biodata test may be a
useful surrogate for job proficiency tests. However, the
limitations of the study, for example, the restricted sample
size, make it essential that these findings be crossvalidated
to confirm and establish the predictive factors.
It is further recommended that the emergent l@profilel@ of the
ratings be used to generate hypotheses about factors that
may be predictive and thus lead to a higher proportion of
discriminating items. Lastly, thought should be given to
extending the biodata approach to other Navy ratings.
REFERENCES
Barge, B.N., and Hough, L.M. (June, 1986). Utility of
biographical data for predicting job performance. In
Leatta M. Hough (Ed.), Literature review: Utility of
temperament, biodata, and interest assessment for
predicting job performance. Alexandria, VA: U.S. Army
Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences.
Mumford, M.D., and Owens, W.A. (March, 1987). Methodology
review: Principles, procedures, and findings in the
application of background data measures. Applied
Psychological Measurement.
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