Comparative study of static versus dynamic scoring of performance tests for industrial operators

Abstract

Hypothesized that the measurement of elemental times during the performance on a dexterity test and the rate of improvement of these times might yield higher test validity than the gross scores traditionally used. Initial experiments on the internal reliability of the Purdue and O'Connor tests indicated that they were inadequate as tests of speed-skill acquisition. Thus, a newly designed 1-Hole Test was constructed and a study of its internal consistency indicated that it constituted an adequate measure of speed-skill acquisition. The test was administered to right-handed female operators performing (N = 114) or being trained to perform (N = 44) repetitive tasks in an electromechanical, a confectionery, and an electronics firm and was compared with the Purdue Pegboard (right-handed). Ss were also given a battery of widely used tests and scores recorded for intelligence, personality, vision, and certain anthropometric and personal data. The effect of a much greater number of repetitions on the O'Connor, Purdue, and 1-Hole tests was studied. Results support the hypothesis. Some conclusions were drawn regarding the validity of these tests for predicting the acquisition of skills and for use in industrial selection for fine repetitive tasks. (21 ref.) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)