Comparative Validities of Two Cognitive Ability Tests in Predicting Work Performance and Training Success of Psychiatric Aides

Abstract

Two cognitive ability tests were evaluated using 98 state hospital psychiatric aides to determine if the use of both tests would improve the predictive validity. A verbal ability test used in the selection process correlated .20 (p < .05) with performance ratings and .36 (p < .05) with post-training job knowledge test scores. A vocabulary test given for research purposes correlated .18 (p < .05, one-tail test) with ratings and .49 (p < .01) with training scores. While both tests were valid predictors, the vocabulary test was a significantly better predictor of the training criterion. The multiple correlation of both tests with ratings was .20 (p > .05) and with training scores was .49 (p < .01), neither of which was larger than the correlation with the best single predictor. The results demonstrated the potential use of two cognitive ability tests in improving aide selection without increasing the adverse impact on minorities, but continuing research with such tests and other selection procedures appears important, especially in occupational groups where specific validity data are limited and the jobs less complex.

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