The predictive value of general intelligence tests in the selection of junior accountants and bookkeepers

Abstract

The median Terman test score of 264 disabled veterans who were trained as accountants and bookkeepers was 129. The 170 who finished training scored 142 and the 94 who discontinued, 112. Both of these groups were equally disabled. After between 3 and 4 years a follow-up questionnaire (103 replies) to the 170 rehabilitated men showed that 85 were still employed in the training objective, 11 unemployed because of disability, and 7 had failed. A further study of the upper, middle, and lower ten showed that, other factors constant, those making scores of 140 or above are almost sure to be rehabilitated for bookkeeping, but the lower 10 almost a total loss, only 2 being successful in the training objective. "A Terman group test score of 100 for bookkeepers and 125 for junior accountants is, in most cases, essential to success. In a measure, arithmetical ability (Woody-McCall test) will compensate somewhat for a low Terman score." (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)