Development of Factorially Based ASVAB High School Composites

Abstract

Abstract : The Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) is used for selection and classification purposes by the military services and for vocational guidance in high schools. The purpose of this research was to improve score composites for the specific use of vocational guidance in the high schools. Factor analysis was used to cluster the tests into composites based on the underlying dimensions of ability in the ASVAB. A principal factor solution was rotated to simple oblique structure to achieve the following five ability factors: verbal, analytic/quantitative, clerical, mechanical, and trade technical. These factors have high reliability and relatively low intercorrections. One last score test composite, called academic ability, was added to the factorially based composites as an indicator of the ability to succeed at further school or formal training.