NTL Record

Title Incremental Validity of Biographical Data in the Prediction of En Route Air Traffic Control Specialist Technical Skills
Record ID 45873
Personal Name
Creator
Broach, Dana
Corporate Creator United States. Department of Transportation. Federal Aviation Administration. Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Publisher United States. Office of Aerospace Medicine
Publication Date 20120700
Language English
Abstract Previous research demonstrated that an empirically-keyed, response-option scored biographical data (“biodata”) scale predicted supervisory ratings of air traffic control specialist (ATCS) job performance (Dean & Broach, 2011). This research focused on the validity of scores on the Controller Background Assessment Survey (CBAS) in predicting an objective, computerized measure of en route controller technical skills. Method. The analysis was conducted in two steps. First, computerized aptitude test battery (“AT-SAT”) scores for 229 en route controllers were regressed on the Computer-Based Performance Measure (CBPM; Hanson, Borman, Mogilka, Manning, & Hedge, 1999). Second, biodata scores were entered into the equation. Results. AT-SAT scores accounted for 27% of variance in the criterion measure (β=0.520, adjusted R2=.271, p<.001). Biodata accounted for an additional 2% of the variance in CBPM (β=0.134; adjusted ΔR2=0.016, ΔF=5.040, p<.05). Discussion. The empirically-keyed, response-option scored biodata scale demonstrated incremental validity over the computerized aptitude test battery in predicting scores representing the core technical skills of en route controllers. Utility analysis suggested that even a small increment in validity was likely to have substantial organizational utility, given the high applicant volume and ATCS training costs. Further research to examine the relationship of CBAS scores to training outcomes at the FAA Academy and in field ATC facilities is recommended.
Rosap ID dot:24890
Rosap URL https://rosap.ntl.bts.gov/view/dot/24890
TRT Terms Air traffic control; Personnel; Employees
General Subjects Air traffic control specialist; Personnel selection; Biographical data; Bootstrap
Classification NTL - AVIATION - Air Traffic Control;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Human Factors;
NTL - SAFETY AND SECURITY - Aviation Safety/Airworthiness
Geographical
Coverage
United States
TRIS Online
Accession No
1449554
Contract Number 1209AC082110. HRR523.AV9300
Report Number DOT/FAA/AM-12/8
Resource type Tech Report
URL https://ntlrepository.blob.core.windows.net/lib/45000/45800/45873/201208.pdf
Format PDF
Database NTL Digital Repository