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Development and Validation of a Personnel Assessment System for Selection of Tufting Machine Operators.

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Development and Validation of a Personnel Assessment System for Selection of Tufting Machine Operators.
Language: English
Authors: Bobrow, Warren
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 14
Publication Date: 1997
Document Type: Reports - Evaluative
Descriptors: Aptitude Tests, Decision Making, Employment Qualifications, Job Skills, Machine Tool Operators, Mathematical Aptitude, Mechanical Skills, Occupational Tests, Personality Assessment, Personality Traits, Personnel Selection, Predictive Measurement, Sex Differences, Sex Discrimination, Test Construction, Test Use, Test Validity, Thinking Skills, Visual Acuity, Vocational Evaluation
Geographic Terms: U.S.; Massachusetts
Abstract: This paper outlines the results of a test validation project for entry-level positions in the tufting areas in a carpet factory. Carpet factory administrators thought that new methods of hiring associates would help improve overall system productivity. A job analysis was conducted through review of job materials and focus groups with employees and supervisors. Critical knowledge, skills, and abilities were identified for the job at present and in the future. The following dimensions were found to be critical to job performance: (1) decision making ability; (2) arithmetic ability; (3) conscientiousness; (4) visual acuity; (5) mechanical aptitude; and (6) agreeableness. Instruments, which included tests of abstract reasoning, the ability to spot flaws in a series of pictures, a mathematics test, a visual speed and acuity test, a test of mechanical aptitude (with little or no gender bias), and an attitude questionnaire were used in pilot testing with 96 current employees, whose productivity was assessed to provide a measure of criterion validity. Pilot testing indicated that the assembled test battery was valid for the selection of tufting machine operators without adverse impact against women. The test construction and validation procedures outlined in this project are comparable and could easily be transferred to those used in educational assessment. (SLD)
Journal Code: RIEMAY1998
Entry Date: 1998
Accession Number: ED415285
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This paper outlines the results of a test validation project for entry-level positions in the tufting areas in a carpet factory. Carpet factory administrators thought that new methods of hiring associates would help improve overall system productivity. A job analysis was conducted through review of job materials and focus groups with employees and supervisors. Critical knowledge, skills, and abilities were identified for the job at present and in the future. The following dimensions were found to be critical to job performance: (1) decision making ability; (2) arithmetic ability; (3) conscientiousness; (4) visual acuity; (5) mechanical aptitude; and (6) agreeableness. Instruments, which included tests of abstract reasoning, the ability to spot flaws in a series of pictures, a mathematics test, a visual speed and acuity test, a test of mechanical aptitude (with little or no gender bias), and an attitude questionnaire were used in pilot testing with 96 current employees, whose productivity was assessed to provide a measure of criterion validity. Pilot testing indicated that the assembled test battery was valid for the selection of tufting machine operators without adverse impact against women. The test construction and validation procedures outlined in this project are comparable and could easily be transferred to those used in educational assessment. (SLD)