Task Familiarity Effects on Job Sample Performance *

Abstract

As part of the Navy Job Performance Measurement Program, the technical proficiency of first-term radioman (RM) personnel was measured using a multimethod approach, the most significant component of which was a hands-on, or job sample test. Because the RM job included large numbers of personnel assigned to both ships and shore installations, the performance of these two groups on the hands-on test was compared and related to achievement on the other measures. The data were analyzed using MANOVA to test the overall difference between the groups across 12 hands-on task tests, showing that the RMs assigned to ships performed significantly better than RMs assigned to shore installations. T-tests for each of the task tests showed that RMs assigned to ships performed significantly better than RMs assigned to shore installations on seven of the 12 task tests. Examination of personnel background questionnaire information revealed a significant difference in the work experience between the groups. Possible causes of the assignment effects are discussed.