Validation of intelligence and mechanical aptitude tests in selecting employees for manufacturing jobs

Abstract

One hundred ninety-three manufacturing employees who produce electro-mechanical components participated in a concurrent criterion-related validity study. The employees were administered three tests: The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (Form S); The Flanagan Aptitude Classification Test-Mechanics; and the Thurstone Test of Mental Alertness (Form A). Job performance was measured by a supervisor rating of fifteen job dimensions, assessed at two points in time separated by 60 days. Correlational and multiple regression analyses were used to assess the relationship between test scores and job performance ratings. The results revealed that the Bennett Mechanical Comprehension test was the best single predictor of job performance (uncorrectedr =.38), and the incremental gain in predictability from additional tests was not significant. The results were discussed in the context of the changing nature of manufacturing jobs and the inadequacy of conventional mechanical aptitude tests to be sensitive to these changes.