Utility of Five Psychomotor Abilities for First-Term Navy Enlisted Performance

Abstract : The psychomotor ability literature was reviewed to evaluate the validity, incremental validity (over general ability), and computer adaptability of tests measuring five psychomotor abilities (multilimb coordination, control precision, arm-hand steadiness, finger dexterity, manual dexterity). The validity results indicated that tests of multilimb coordination, control precision, finger dexterity, manual dexterity have shown useful levels of validities. Incremental validity results were limited and mixed, with multilimb coordination tests showing most promise. Computer tests with useful levels of validity were found for two psychomotor abilities--multilimb coordination and control precision. No computer tests or computer-adaptable tests were found for manual dexterity and finger dexterity. Overall, the results suggest that computerized measures of multilimb coordination and control precision may be useful for Navy selection and classification. Keywords: Personnel testing, Personnel selection, Computerized testing.