Using perceptual speed tests to improve pilot selection

Perceptual speed (PS) tests have been commonly used in military and civil pilot selection batteries for over 80 years. This paper compares paper and computerized versions of two PS tests for gender differences and age effects. Additionally, the relation between the personality dimensions and performance on the PS tests was examined because few data have studied that relationship. The Table Reading Test (TRT) is an updated version of a pilot selection test developed in 1942 that has been in continuous use. The Tabular Speed Test (TST) is a “sister” test developed for civilian pilot selection. Both the US Air Force and Damos Aviation Services, Inc. had delayed computerizing their PS tests because of concerns that computerization would potentially reduce the required scanning and memory load, reducing the predictive validity, and possibly causing gender differences and age effects. The paper TRT was administered to 4,882 military pilot trainees who had completed the first phase of training. The computerized version was administered to 2,453 officer candidates who selected “pilot” as their first career choice. All military candidates also completed a Big Five personality inventory. The paper TST was administered to 257 students enrolled in a profession pilot curriculum at a US university. The computerized TST was administered to 115 candidates applying for a state-sponsored flying school. Both the computerized versions of the TRT and TST showed minor changes in mean score compared to their paper counterparts. Female trainees taking the paper version of the TRT scored slightly better than males on number correct (#Correct). In the officer candidate sample, females scored slightly lower than males. Both versions of the TST showed females performing slightly better than males on both #Correct and the number wrong (#Wrong). On the paper TRT #Correct increased gradually from age 18 to 30 in both military samples. Both the computerized and the paper versions of the TRT showed no age effect. The relationship with personality was relatively unremarkable, but results indicate that Conscientiousness and Neuroticism may be related to PS. The small effect of age and gender make PS tests strong candidates for pilot selection batteries.