The Comparative Composite Validities of Batteries of "Short" Versus "Long" Tests
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Report Number: HRRC RB 50-1
Author(s): Brokaw, Leland D.
Corporate Author(s): Human Resources Research Center
Laboratory: Directorate of Personnel Research
Date of Publication: 1950-01
Pages: 30
Contract: Laboratory Research - No Contract
DoD Project: 21-03-012
Identifier: ADF760075
Abstract:
Comprehensive coverage of the factorial area deemed necessary for proper classification of Air Force technical trainees would require a considerable number of tests. If previous standards of test reliability were to be met, the required testing time would be arduously long. Fatigue engendered by a testing period of more than two days might destroy the motivation of the examinees. An additional point against the use of such a long testing period is the number of man hours required in testing and test processing. In an effort to reduce the required testing time, the concepts of test reliability and test validity as affected by test length were examined. As test length is altered, the change in numerical magnitude of test reliability is greater than the change in the validity coefficient. On this basis it was assumed that individual tests in a battery might be significantly shortened with little effect on the composite validity of the battery. This study confirms the desirability of using short tests in the Airman Classification Battery. It indicates the desirability of further analysis and experimentation in the areas of test and battery reliability.
Provenance: IIT
Author(s): Brokaw, Leland D.
Corporate Author(s): Human Resources Research Center
Laboratory: Directorate of Personnel Research
Date of Publication: 1950-01
Pages: 30
Contract: Laboratory Research - No Contract
DoD Project: 21-03-012
Identifier: ADF760075
Abstract:
Comprehensive coverage of the factorial area deemed necessary for proper classification of Air Force technical trainees would require a considerable number of tests. If previous standards of test reliability were to be met, the required testing time would be arduously long. Fatigue engendered by a testing period of more than two days might destroy the motivation of the examinees. An additional point against the use of such a long testing period is the number of man hours required in testing and test processing. In an effort to reduce the required testing time, the concepts of test reliability and test validity as affected by test length were examined. As test length is altered, the change in numerical magnitude of test reliability is greater than the change in the validity coefficient. On this basis it was assumed that individual tests in a battery might be significantly shortened with little effect on the composite validity of the battery. This study confirms the desirability of using short tests in the Airman Classification Battery. It indicates the desirability of further analysis and experimentation in the areas of test and battery reliability.
Provenance: IIT