The Construction of Tests for the Discovery of Vocational Fitness

Abstract

Successful construction of tests for the discovery of vocational fitness must depend in the long run upon an accurate psychological analysis of the various occupations. The fundamental assumptions underlying the methods of test-construction call for careful examination. One broad method of classifying the tests is into the divisions, analytic and synthetic. The synthetic tests may be further divided into vocational miniature, empire tests, and analogous tests. The analytic test attempts to isolate and measure separately in respect of individual applicants for employment those physical and mental factors which are predominantly demanded in the given occupation. There are limitations to the usefulness of this method.The type of psychological test is one which can be applied to those about to enter an industry with the idea of gauging their probable fitness in advance. The analogous test is the only satisfactory test which promises well from this point of view. This test method "calls both for a tentative psychological analysis of the work to be done and for the construction of problems calling out as a combination the essential capacities and interests concerned, in much the same proportion as they are demanded in the actual tasks, but in such a manner as to allow potential capacity, when necessary, to compete on equal terms with capacity already fully developed." The construction of these tests will be no simple matter, but is the only real way to progress. From Psych Bulletin 19:05:00374. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)