User talk:Nsaydelotte

WP issues for PSYSC 373
Greetings- you did not yet create/edit your User page nor your Talk page (I just started the Talk page for you with this message). Mjtagler (talk) 17:50, 31 January 2012 (UTC)

Be on the lookout for Tagler's email response back to me...will post ASAP.

Nate, Damon, & Carolyn, I just did a PSYCINFO search on the phrase "mechanical aptitude" and I believe you should find some newer sources. Note that some of these may require interlibrary loan, but you can get them. The Muchinsky 2004 chapter looks like it will be particularly useful (see attached PSYCINFO screen shot). Likely a goldmine in his reference list to other sources.

a preview of the chapter is available in google books: http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&lr=&id=eTHpF7yt_WYC&oi=fnd&pg=PA21&dq=Mechanical+aptitude+and+spatial+ability+testing.&ots=ya2CBuw9k5&sig=dDVNMgEkZ4ro4AP4cXbS0JZYYMI#v=onepage&q=Mechanical%20aptitude%20and%20spatial%20ability%20testing.&f=false

Also, see the following links for info on the Bennett and some other mechanical aptitude tests. http://www.freetechebooks.com/ebook-2011/bennett-mechanical-comprehension-test-study-guide.html http://www.pearsonassessments.com/HAIWEB/Cultures/en-us/Productdetail.htm?Pid=015-8341-430&Mode=summary

Lastly: emphasize published, peer-reviewed research findings:  validity, validity, validity.

Speedy deletion nomination of Mechanical Aptitude


A tag has been placed on Mechanical Aptitude, requesting that it be speedily deleted from Wikipedia. This has been done under section G11 of the criteria for speedy deletion, because the page seems to be unambiguous advertising which only promotes a company, product, group, service or person and would need to be fundamentally rewritten in order to become an encyclopedia article. Please read the guidelines on spam and FAQ/Business for more information.

If you think that the page was nominated in error, contest the nomination by clicking on the button labelled "Click here to contest this speedy deletion" in the speedy deletion tag. Doing so will take you to the talk page where you can explain why you believe the page should not be deleted. You can also visit the page's talk page directly to give your reasons, but be aware that once a page is tagged for speedy deletion, it may be removed without delay. Please do not remove the speedy deletion tag yourself, but do not hesitate to add information that is consistent with Wikipedia's policies and guidelines. If the page is deleted, you can contact one of these administrators to request that the administrator userfy the page or email a copy to you. Bihco (talk) 20:29, 20 March 2012 (UTC)

Welcome to Wikipedia! Drop by the Teahouse anytime for a cup of tea, or some help with editing!
The Bennett Mechanical Comprehension Test (BMCT) is an assessment tool for measuring a candidate’s ability to perceive and understand the relationship of physical forces and mechanical elements in practical situations. This aptitude is important in jobs and training programs that require the understanding and application of mechanical principles. The current BMCT Forms, S and T, have been used to predict performance in a variety of vocational and technical training settings and have been popular selection tools for mechanical, technical, engineering, and similar occupations for many years.

The BMCT is composed of 68 items, 30-minute time limited test, that are illustrations of simple, encountered mechanisms used in many different mechanisms. It is not considered a speeded time test, but a timed power test and the cut scores will provide the different job requirements for employers. The reading and exercise level of concentration for this testis below or at a sixth-grade reading level.

In current studies of internal consistency reliability, the range of estimates were compared from previous studies and found out the range was from .84 to .92. So this shows a high reliable consistency when taking and measuring the BMCT. Muchinsky (1993) evaluated the relationships between the BMCT, a general mental ability test, and an aptitude classification test focused on mechanics, and supervisory ratings of overall performance for 192 manufacturing employees. Of the three tests, he found the BMCT to be the best single predictor of job performance (r = .38, p < .01). He also found that the incremental gain in predictability from the other tests was not significant.

From a current employer standpoint, these people are typically using cognitive ability tests, aptitude tests, personality tests and etc. And the BMCT has been used for positions in positions such as electrical and mechanical positions. Also companies will use these tests for computer operators and operators in manufacturing. This test can also help eliminate any issues or variables to employers about who may need further training and instruction or not. This test will help show employers who are a master of the trade they are applying for, and will also highlight the applicants who still have some “catching up” to do.

* Identify candidates with good spatial perception and mechanical reasoning ability * Assess a candidate’s working knowledge of basic mechanical operations and physical laws * Recognize an aptitude for learning mechanical processes and tasks * Predict employee success and appropriately align your workforce * Industry Norms For: Manufacturing/Production, Energy/Utilities * Occupational Norms For: Automotive and Aircraft Mechanics, Engineers, Installation/Maintenance/Repairpersons, Industrial/Technical (Non-Retail) Sales Representatives, Skilled Tradespersons such as Electricians, Welders, and Carpenters; Transportation Trades/Equipment Operators such as Truck Drivers and Heavy Equipment Operators (http://www.pearsonassessments.com/HAIWEB/Cultures/en-us/Productdetail.htm?Pid=015-8341-430&Mode=summary)

Military Information: According to the ASVAB website, "The military has used aptitude tests since World War I to screen people for military service. In 1917-1918, the Army Alpha and Army Beta tests were developed so that military commanders could have some measure of the ability of their personnel. The Army Alpha was a group-administered test that measured verbal ability, numerical ability, ability to follow directions, and knowledge of information. The Army Beta was a non-verbal counterpart to the Army Alpha. It was used to evaluate the aptitude of illiterate, unschooled, or non-English speaking draftees and volunteers."

During World War II The Army General Classification Test (AGCT) and Navy General Classification Test (NGCT) replaced the Army Alpha and Army Beta tests that soldiers were required to take. The AGCT was described as a test of general learning ability, and was used by the Army and Marine Corps to assign recruits to military jobs. Some 12 million recruits were tested using the AGCT during World War II. The NGCT was used by the Navy to assign recruits to military jobs. Some three million sailors were tested using the NGCT during World War II.

Additional classification tests were developed early in World War II to supplement the AGCT and the NGCT. These included:
 * Specialized aptitude tests related to the technical fields (mechanical, electrical, and later, electronics)
 * Clerical and administrative tests, radio code operational tests
 * Language tests and driver selection tests.

Wikipedia Education Program Student Survey
Hi! Please take a few minutes to fill out this survey about the Wikipedia Education Program. This is our opportunity to improve the program and resources we provide students, so your feedback and input is integral to our future success. Thank you so much! JMathewson (WMF) (talk) 23:52, 22 May 2012 (UTC)