Testing Aptitude for Computer Programming

1 June 1967

journal article
research article
Published by SAGE Publications in Psychological Reports

Vol. 20 (3_suppl) , 1251-1256
https://doi.org/10.2466/pr0.1967.20.3c.1251

Abstract

This study explored the usefulness of a simulated work sample of programming (the Robot Test developed by the Bureau of the Census) as a criterion for validating programmer selection tests. In two samples of Civil Service employees in the United States Public Health Service, this type of criterion appeared quite predictable, with multiple correlations of .60 ( N = 135) and .71 ( N = 118). The best predictors of those studied were Parts 2 and 3 of the Programmer Aptitude Test, a frequently used selection test for programming. In one sample, the addition of the Numerical part of the Federal Service Entrance Examination significantly improved prediction of the criterion. Further research on the Robot Test is recommended.

Keywords

This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:

A REVIEW OF RESEARCH ON THE SELECTION OF COMPUTER PROGRAMMERS
Personnel Psychology, 1961