Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery Review - Assignment Example

Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery ReviewA. Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is a type of high stakes test designed by the U.S. Armed Forces in order to measure the level of qualification for enlistment in the military. The test was originally published in 1968 and has been administered by the United States Military Entrance Processing Command for all branches of military since 1976. Scoring system was updated and renormalize (percentile ranking). Testing duration is three hours, while the venues administering the test include Military Entrance Processing Stations (MEPS) or Military Entrance Test sites.

The test is offered both for the applicants and for high school students for free, though there are expenses for guide books and preparation materials/courses.B. ASVAB is a recognized multiple aptitude battery test applied to all military applicants: the test scores define whether the applicant is qualified enough to be enlisted in the military. The initial version of the test referred to as Pen & Paper ASVAB was introduced as a universal assessment inventory for all Services (Defense Manpower Data Center (2006, 1-1); later technological advancement allowed for adaptation of the test to computerized environment.

Both CAT ASVAB and P&P ASVAB consist of the same number of sections, that is, 10; while the category of population is generally limited only be eligibility for enlistment in the Armed Forces. Thereby, ASVAB is designed for every one regardless of age who is eligible for enlistment. As the test is a multiple aptitude battery, it incorporates verbal, spatial, numerical and technical content divided in separate sections: General Science, Arithmetic Reasoning, Word Knowledge, Paragraph Comprehension, Mathematics Knowledge, Electronics Information, Auto Information, Shop Information, Mechanical Comprehension, Assembling Objects and Verbal Expression.

The test incorporates a subtest, Armed Forces Qualification Test comprised by the sections Word Knowledge, Arithmetic Reasoning, Paragraph Comprehension, and Mathematics Knowledge. The separate score from these four sections creates AFQT score defining whether the applicant can be enlisted, while the main ASVAB score defines the range of most favorable jobs in the military. The main item type of the test is a multiple choice question. C. The test contains rather clear directions and design, while CAT ASVAB is even easier to use due to its adaptation to computer setting in terms of completion and scoring.

Administration of ASVAB and especially CAT ASVAB is easy due to existence of MEPS dispersed across the country. Computation of AFQT and ASVAB scores is performed according to the standard formulas. The examiners should have standard testing qualifications as well as scoring qualifications for P&P ASVAB. In terms of face validity, the test is valid (not only in military setting). D. 1. NormsIndividual ASVAB scores are standard. Scores are standardized in relation to the national sample (youth, 18-23).

AFQT scores are percentiles ranging from 1 to 99, they are computed based on ASVAB standard scores. 2. ReliabilityRetest is permitted after at least one month, testing items are changeable and equivalent. Sample questions are available for examinees.3. Validity Content validity and criterion validity have been reviewed and proved by Welsh, Kucinkas & Curran (1990).E. Reviewer commentsAnnotated bibliography of validity studies as well as integrative review of validity studies present the number of researches of ASVAB validity.F. Summary evaluationThe test has proved its universal validity for all applicants for enlistment and as an intelligence testing inventory for nonmilitary environments as well.

The major strengths are high availability, easy administration and valid scoring standard. Reference listDefense Manpower Data Center (2006). CAT-ASVAB forms 1 & 2 (Technical Bulletin No. 1). Seaside, CA: Author. Welsh, J. R., Kucinkas, S. K., & Curran, L. T. (1990). Armed Services Vocational Battery (ASVAB): Integrative review of validity studies (Technical Report No. 90-22). Brooks Air Force Base, TX: Air Force Systems Command. Welsh, J. R., Trent, L. M., Nakasone, R. I., Fairbank, B. A., & Kucinkas, S. K. (1990).

ANNOTATED BIBLIOGRAPHY Of ARMED SERVICES VOCATIONAL APTITUDE BATTERY (ASVAB) VALIDITY STUDIES (Interim Technical Report). Brooks Air Force Base, TX: Air Force Systems Command.