Aptitude Test Research Articles

The effect of educational levels and gender on students’ reasoning ability and mechanical aptitude

This study aimed to investigate the impact of gender on reasoning ability and mechanical aptitude, considering disparities across different educational levels. The research involved 1,183 students aged 12 to 19 from Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The independent variables were educational levels (junior high school, senior/vocational high school, and higher education) and gender (male and female), while reasoning ability and mechanical aptitude scores were the dependent variables. Data were collected through the Differential Aptitude Test's reasoning and mechanical sub-tests, which demonstrated high-reliability coefficients. Statistical analyses included ANOVA and independent t-tests. The findings show that gender significantly influences reasoning ability and mechanical aptitude, with male students outperforming females. However, no notable differences were observed between senior/vocational high school students and college/university students. This study contributes valuable insights to the existing literature on cognitive skills, particularly concerning the impact of gender and educational levels, which can inform educational strategies and career development initiatives. Keywords: Educational level; gender; mechanical aptitude; reasoning ability; students

Designing an Effective Job Recommender System based on Embedded Machine Learning Models

The need to automate employment offers to qualify job searchers has gain attentions. For an automated recommendation systems to be used more frequently, a better user-friendly filtering techniques are required. This paper designs an automated process, referred to as “the job recommender”, which focuses on user-centric design and personalization for recommending and matching applicants with appropriate jobs. We use the bottom-up approach that uses dataset based on filtering algorithms to predict and make recommendations for job seekers. The algorithm helps the recruiters to produce the list of the résumé that best meets the job descriptions. In this context, the random forest (RF) and support vector machines (SVM) are adopted to train the data. They are supplied personalized information (qualifications, result of aptitude test, age, and work experience) reported on the résumés of individual candidates from the pool of submissions, and the system train data to learn the evolution of job selection by candidates based on these machine learning tools. The algorithm used would help the recruiters to produce the list of the résumé that best meets the job descriptions. The algorithms are designed to recommend personalized items tailored to each user's interests. Under the minimum hardware and software requirements, the job recommender system was implemented in streamlit - a python template, for designing the frontend.

Inequalities in adolescent mental health and allocation of students to selective classes in comprehensive schools in Finland: a longitudinal study

BackgroundLower socioeconomic positions (SEP) and poor academic achievement increase children’s risk for mental health problems. The Finnish education system is officially non-selective and unified, but a part of children can...

Personality Traits and Employee Turnover in the Insurance Industry in Kenya

Aim: The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between personality traits and employee turnover in the Insurance Industry in Kenya. The study also aimed to evaluate the moderating effect of firm characteristics on the relationship between personality traits and employee turnover in the Insurance Industry in Kenya. Methods: This study adopted a combination of descriptive and correlational research designs. The insurance companies from which data was collected were the top 5 insurance companies based on market share in general insurance. The employees of those companies were drawn from the following cadres: middle-level managers, heads of departments, supervisors, and operational staff. This study utilized multi-stage sampling technique involving deliberate sampling and stratified random sampling. A sample size of 338 employees was used in the study and data was collected using a semi structured questionnaire. Descriptive analysis entailed means and standard deviations while inferential analysis entailed regression analysis. Results: Results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship between personality traits and employee turnover in the Insurance Industry in Kenya. It was also found that firm characteristics have no significant moderating effect on the relationship between personality traits and employee turnover in the Insurance Industry in Kenya Conclusion: The personality traits utilized in the management of employees by the organizational management in insurance firms determines the retention and turnover of employees in those companies. Recommendations: The management of insurance companies should increase the use of aptitude tests during recruitment to determine the personality traits of employees so that when they engage them in various jobs. Their personality traits would enhance the performance of their jobs and cause them to be retained in their jobs for a long period before thinking of going elsewhere and hence leading to insurance companies using lots of money on the high frequency of recruiting of employees.

Test preparation breeds success: Two quasi-experimental interventions in the context of the Swiss aptitude test for medical-school admissions

BackgroundIn Switzerland, the scholastic aptitude test for medical-school selection takes place in three languages. This study examined the effects of two quasi-experimental interventions that aimed to reduce existing differences in test results between the French- and German-speaking language candidates.MethodsBetween 2018 and 2023, the population of applicants to Swiss medical schools consisted of N = 18’824 German- and French-speaking individuals. Based on a quasi-experimental design, we examined the effects of two interventions regarding preparatory material, in these cohorts. The first intervention (2022) consisting of practice trials in baccalaureate schools in the canton of Fribourg enabled French-speaking candidates primarily from the canton of Fribourg to prepare more intensively with official tasks. Practice trials enable future candidates to complete a published test version under original conditions and thus prepare how to approach the real test. The second intervention (2023) released new preparatory material in all languages for one group of tasks for which differences between the language groups were more pronounced than in the other tasks. The test provider offered this material for free download together with existing preparation materials and thereby enabled more intensive preparation.ResultsAfter the first intervention, the initially small to medium-sized mean differences in z-transformed test scores between French-speaking candidates from Fribourg and German-speaking candidates were nearly eliminated (from 0.39 to 0.05). Also for French-speaking candidates from outside of the canton of Fribourg, the mean differences were smaller than before the intervention (0.48 before, 0.39 after first intervention). After the second intervention, particularly the mean differences in test scores between German-speaking and French-speaking candidates from outside of Fribourg were further reduced (to 0.24).ConclusionsThe two interventions regarding material for preparing to participate in the aptitude test affected candidates’ test scores. They reduced the gap between German- and French-speaking candidates showing that the additional benefits of commercial offers for test preparation are limited. Hence, offering comparable official preparation material to all language groups enhances test fairness.

EXAMINING SPORTSPERSONSHIP ORIENTATIONS AND ANGER EXPRESSION STYLES OF STUDENTS PARTICIPATING IN THE FACULTY OF SPORTS SCIENCES PHYSICAL APTITUDE TEST

Background/aim: This study aimed to examine the correlation between sportspersonship orientations and anger expression styles of candidates to enter sports sciences faculties via physical aptitude test. In addition, the study also examined the effect of gender, athlete license, monthly income, and sports experience of the participants on sportspersonship orientation and anger expression styles. Materials and methods: To collect data, the Personal Information Form, the Multidimensional Sportspersonship Orientation Scale, and the Trait Anger and Anger Expression Styles Scales were utilized. The study sample included 324 students, 178 (54.9%) female and 146 (45.1%) males, who were candidates to enter the faculty of sports sciences. Data were analyzed using frequency, arithmetic mean, standard deviation, Pearson correlation analysis, t-test, and ANOVA analysis techniques. Results: The study's findings showed statistically significant results in the variables of monthly income and sportspersonship orientation history and an opposite relationship between sportspersonship orientation and anger expression styles. Conclusion: These concepts, examined in this study, are crucial factors that can significantly impact the participants' sporting lives and athletic performance, either positively or negatively.

Literature Review: Pemanfaatan Instrumentasi Tes Minat terhadap Layanan Bimbingan dan Konseling

Interest and aptitude tests help in recognizing children's potential early on, so that parents and educators can plan education that is more suitable and supports the optimal development of children's potential. The purpose of this study is to help individuals know that interest and aptitude test instrumentation has a major impact in directing individuals in developing themselves, both in academics and careers. Children who study and work according to their interests tend to be more motivated, happy and accomplished. With a clear understanding of interests and aptitudes, children can make better decisions regarding future education, major and career choices. In this study we used the Literature Review method by collecting several sources. The results and discussion of the literature review discussion regarding interest tests, interest inventories, and Android-based psychological test applications in guidance and counseling in schools show that these tools are very important to help students determine educational and career paths according to their interests and talents. Interest tests help reduce uncertainty in career decision-making, improve the fit between individuals and jobs or study programs, and expand understanding of the psychological tendencies underlying their choices.

A longitudinal meta-analysis of range restriction estimates and general mental ability validity coefficients: Better addressing overcorrection amid decline effects.

Psychometric corrections can be crucial for obtaining valid operational results, but concerns are rising about potential overcorrections for general mental ability (GMA) validity coefficients. Our two-part study identifies a source of overprediction: using national norms rather than recent local applicant pool variance for range restriction corrections. Study 1 demonstrates increasing homogeneity in Wonderlic occupational applicant pool variance across four data time waves, suggesting they are no longer interchangeable with the general working population, a divergence attributable to a rise in education. Study 2 employs the Morris meta-analytic approach to gauge the impact of using national norms over occupational ones in range restriction. An analysis of 649 GMA validity coefficients from four time waves of General Aptitude Test Battery and Wonderlic data shows a radical drop in corrected and uncorrected correlations, indicating that historical corrected GMA validity coefficients differ from contemporary ones by up to 16-fold (i.e., an R² of 42.3% vs. 2.6%), and range restriction corrections are now minimal in about 75% of cases. This drop in correlations appears due to the filtering effects of increased education, both due to the demands of the knowledge economy and credentialism, where organizations are using college or university degrees as a proxy for GMA. Credentialism is an incredibly inefficient form of GMA assessment, suggesting an urgent societal need to incorporate selection fundamentals more broadly. Altogether, these results indicate that labor market dynamics have a deeper impact on personnel selection than typically appreciated, meaning that many of our estimates have and will eventually age out. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Evaluating the fairness of a high-stakes college entrance exam in Kuwait

The use of college entrance exams for facilitating admission decisions become controversial, and the central argument is around the fairness of test scores. The Kuwait University English Aptitude Test (KUEAT) is a high-stakes test, but very few studies have examined the psychometric quality of the scores for this national-level assessment. This study illustrates how measurement approaches can be used to examine the fairness issues in educational testing. Through a modern view of fairness, we assess the internal and external bias of KUEAT scores using differential item functioning analysis and differential prediction analysis, respectively, and provide a comprehensive fairness argument for KUEAT scores. The analysis for examining the internal evidence of bias was based on 1790 examinees’ KUEAT scores in November 2018. KUEAT scores and first-year college GPAs of 4033 students enrolled in KU were used for assessing the external evidence of bias. Results revealed many items showing differential item functioning across student subpopulation groups (i.e., nationality, gender, high school majors, and high school types). Meanwhile, KUEAT scores also predicted college performance differentially by different student subgroups (i.e., nationality, high school majors, and high school types). Discussion and implications on the fairness issues of college entrance tests in Kuwait are provided.

‘LinkedIn, LinkedIn on the screen, who is the greatest and smartest ever seen?’: A machine learning approach using valid LinkedIn cues to predict narcissism and intelligence

AbstractRecruiters routinely use LinkedIn profiles to infer applicants' individual traits like narcissism and intelligence, two key traits in online network and organizational contexts. However, little is known about LinkedIn profiles' predictive potential to accurately infer individual traits. According to Brunswik's lens model, accurate trait inferences depend on (a) the presence of valid cues in LinkedIn profiles containing information about users' individual traits and (b) the sensitive and consistent utilization of valid cues. We assessed narcissism (self‐report) and intelligence (aptitude tests) in a sample of 406 LinkedIn users along with 64 LinkedIn cues (coded by three trained coders) that we derived from trait theory and previous empirical findings. We used a transparent, easy‐to‐interpret machine learning algorithm leveraging practical application potentials (elastic net) and applied state‐of‐the‐art resampling techniques (nested cross‐validation) to ensure robust results. Thereby, we uncover LinkedIn profiles' predictive potential: (a) LinkedIn profiles contain valid information about narcissism (e.g. uploading a background picture) and intelligence (e.g. listing many accomplishments), and (b) the elastic nets sensitively and consistently using these valid cues attain prediction accuracy (r = .35/.41 for narcissism/intelligence). The results have practical implications for improving recruiters' accuracy and foreshadow potentials and limitations of automated LinkedIn‐based assessments for selection purposes.

Interactional competencies in medical student admission- what makes a "good medical doctor"?

Doctors' interactional competencies play a crucial role in patient satisfaction, well-being, and compliance. Accordingly, it is in medical schools' interest to select candidates with strong interactional abilities. While Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) provide a useful context to assess such abilities, the evaluation of candidate performance during MMIs is not always based on a solid theoretical framework. The newly developed selection procedure "Interactional Competencies - Medical Doctors (IC-MD)" uses an MMI circuit with five simulation patient scenarios and is rated based on the theoretically and empirically grounded construct of emotional availability. A first validation study with N = 70 first-semester medical students took place in 2021. In terms of convergent validity, IC-MD ratings showed strong correlations with simulation patients' satisfaction with the encounter (r =.57) but no association with emotional intelligence measures. IC-MD ratings were not related to high school performance or a cognitive student aptitude test, indicating divergent validity. Inter-rater reliability (ICC = 0.63) and generalizability (Eρ2 = 0.64) were satisfactory. The IC-MD proved to be fair regarding participants' age and gender. Participants with prior work experience in healthcare outperformed those without such experience. Participant acceptance of the procedure were good. The IC-MD is a promising selection procedure capable of assessing interactional competencies relevant to the medical setting. Measures of interactional competencies can complement the use of cognitive selection criteria in medical student admission. The predictive validity of the IC-MD needs to be addressed in future studies.

Development and Validation of the Criminal Aptitude Inventory (Urdu): A Comprehensive Assessment Across Convicted Prisoners and the General Population

Background: Criminal aptitude testing benefits police and other fields of law enforcement. Earlier literature lacked an Urdu-language scale for criminal aptitude. Objectives: The present study developed and validated a new scale to measure criminal aptitude in Urdu speakers. Methods: The development and validation of the Criminal Aptitude Inventory (CAI) unfolded across three distinct phases, involving a total of 1675 participants (51.34% women), including convicted prisoners (37.33%). In the initial phase, the CAI underwent development and preliminary validation through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). Subsequently, the second phase utilized Confirmatory Factor Analysis to further confirm the scale's validity. The third phase focused on analyzing the CAI's convergent and discriminant validity by investigating its relationship with antisocial personality disorder, morality, religiosity, and spirituality. Results: The results demonstrated high reliability and validity of the CAI, affirming its suitability for future applications. The final version of the scale comprises a single factor and consists of 36 items, each utilizing a 5-point Likert-type response format. Indicators such as Kaiser-Meyer-Olkin's values (0.984), Cronbach’s alpha (0.984), average item-total correlation (P < 0.001), comparative fit index (0.936), Tucker-Lewis Index (0.932), Goodness of Fit Index (GFI=.939), root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA = 0.043), convergent validity with antisocial personality disorder (r = 0.458; P < 0.01), and discriminant validity with morality (r = -0.396; P < 0.01), religiosity (r = -.318; P < 0.01), and spirituality (r = -.453; P < 0.01) established the reliability and validity of the CAI. Conclusions: The dual-source data collection strategy employed in this study, drawing from both convicted prisoners and the general population, enhances and operationalizes the scale. This approach ensures its applicability across diverse Urdu-speaking communities in Pakistan and India.

Effectiveness of Schema-Based Instruction Strategy in Improving Mathematical Word Problem Solving and Working Memory of Students with Learning Disabilities in The Sultanate of Oman

This study aimed to examine the effectiveness of a schema-based instruction strategy in improving mathematics word problem solving and working memory performance of third grade students with learning disabilities in schools in Oman. Students received a diagnosis of specific learning disability (SLD) based on the aptitude discrepancy model in which an achievement test and an aptitude test (Raven’s Coloured Successive Matrices) were used to determine the existence of a discrepancy. Students were then divided into two matched groups, a control group and an experimental group; each group included (20) students. Study instruments included a mathematics word problem solving test, a working memory test, and the schema-based intervention program. Results of the study showed that participants in the experimental group differed from controls in word problem solving and working memory performance following exposure to the intervention program. More specifically, performance of experimental group participants in the word problem solving varied across the pre, during the implementation, and post intervention phases in favor of the post intervention phases and in favor of the type of Assembly problems. Implications of using schema-based instruction strategy with students with SLD are discussed in the light of the study findings.

Selective Classes and Early Health Inequalities in Comprehensive Schools in Finland.

The origin of inequalities in health outcomes has been explained by health selection and social causation models. Health selection processes operate particularly at school age. We study, if student allocation to teaching groups with aptitude tests (selective vs general class) differentiates adolescents by health behaviors and mental health. Finnish schoolchildren 12-13 years from 12 selective classes, n = 248; 41 general classes, n = 703 answered a questionnaire on addictive products (tobacco, snus, alcohol, and energy drinks), digital media use, and mental health (health complaints, anxiety, and depression). Structural equation modeling was conducted to identify structures between outcomes, SEP (socioeconomic position), class type, and academic performance. Students in the selective classes reported less addictive digital media and addictive products use than students in the general classes. Differences in academic performance or SEP between the class types did not solely explain these differences. Mental health was not related to the class type. SEP was indirectly associated with health behaviors via the class type and academic performance. Selecting students to permanent teaching groups with aptitude tests differentiates students according to risky health behaviors. The impact of education policies using student grouping should also be evaluated in terms of students' health.

Ocena wpływu pandemii COVID-19 na chińską gospodarkę i przedsiębiorstwa handlu zagranicznego z perspektywy zrównoważonego rozwoju

The COVID-19 epidemic has had a significant effect on China's economy and mainly on foreign trade enterprises. This virus has affected the social economy and business performance, becoming a primary test of governance aptitude and the national governance system. As a result, a neural network can be used to study and analyze the economic and social development during the COVID-19 epidemic. Good nonlinear forecasting can be achieved using neural network techniques since they overcome the limitations of traditional forecasting methods. Economic forecasts usually have great uncertainty and are affected by factors with complex relationships. However, using the B.P. network on economic forecasts can have a good forecasting effect. Economic analysis in the context of the new crown epidemic will provide more reference to future complex emergencies. However, countermeasures have been established based on financial institutions, governments, and enterprises. These measures are formulated to cope with the challenges faced by foreign trade enterprises based on the scrutiny of international public emergencies. They include exploration of international cooperation, advancing the new open economy system, speeding up transformation and upgrading, and perfecting the public safety emergency system. Other measures include cooperatively promoting high-quality development of foreign trade enterprises, enabling internal capacities to improve management capabilities, and establishing an external environment based on environmental perfection of the rule of law and policy. However, countermeasures have been established based on financial institutions, governments, and enterprises. These measures are formulated to cope with the challenges faced by foreign trade enterprises based on the scrutiny of international public emergencies. They include exploration of international cooperation, advancing the new open economy system, speeding up transformation and upgrading, and perfecting the public safety emergency system. Other measures include cooperatively promoting high-quality development of foreign trade enterprises, enabling internal capacities to improve management capabilities, and establishing an external environment based on environmental perfection of the rule of law and policy

Teaching Aptitude of School Teachers: A Gender-Based Comparison

Teaching aptitude of school teachers is an important factor in making the teaching profession more effective. This research study was carried out for comparison of female teachers’ aptitude of teaching with male teachers of three districts Multan, Khanewal and Muzaffar Garh. The key objective of this research study was to analyze the teaching aptitude of female and male school teachers. The present study includes the sample of 350 teachers including 178 female school teachers and 1172 male elementary and secondary school teachers by using simple random sampling technique. A standardized Teaching Aptitude Test is used as a research instrument for the measurement of aptitudes of male and female teachers. Z-test was applied to compare the aptitude of teaching for female and male school teachers. Data analysis revealed that the significant difference is not found between the teaching aptitude of female and male school teachers. The study recommends to administer aptitude test at the time of selection of teachers to appoint those teachers for teaching profession who have high level of teaching aptitude

Investigation of Teaching Talent of Urban and Rural School Teachers

The effectiveness of the teaching profession is largely dependent on their natural teaching talent. Keeping in view this utmost importance of teachers’ talents for teaching the study was carried out with the purpose of investigating the teaching talent of school teachers teaching in urban and rural schools of district Multan. By using simple random sampling technique, total 304 teachers including 161 urban and 143 rural teachers were considered as sample of the study. To measure teachers’ natural talent for teaching, a standardized Teaching Aptitude Test was thought appropriate to be used to collect data. Teachers in urban and rural schools were compared for their teaching talent by using Z-test. Data examination showed that there is significant difference between the teaching aptitude of urban and rural school teachers. The study recommends to recruit teachers on the basis of measuring their teaching talents through any standardized aptitude test and further practical test in form of demonstration

TEACHER EDUCATION IN CHALLENGING TIMES. A COMPARATIVE AND TRANSFORMATIVE APPROACH TO THE AUSTRIAN AND UKRAINIAN TEACHER EDUCATION REFORMS

The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the challenges and reforms in teacher education in Ukraine, drawing comparisons with the Austrian experience, contextualizing the need for reforms in Ukraine's education system within the country's pursuit of European Union membership. Emphasizing the pivotal role of teacher education in driving these reforms, the article analyzes the challenges of teacher education in Ukraine such as inadequate teacher remuneration, outdated pedagogical methods used, and a lack of financial support. Thus, the authors state the urgency of modernizing the teacher education system. To summarize of teacher education in Austria, corresponding solutions are proposed, including individualized approaches and rigorous selection processes with the reference to Austria's experience with aptitude tests. Furthermore, the article outlines education reforms in Ukraine, including the passage of laws aimed at aligning higher education with European standards. It analyzes measures such as interdisciplinary programs, distance learning, and increased university autonomy, designed to enhance student autonomy and the quality of education. By comparing these efforts with Austria's initiatives, such as the implementation of the Bologna Process and attempts to make teacher education more attractive, the researchers offer insights into common challenges faced by education systems globally.

수능인가 학생부인가? 입학전형별 대학생의 전공만족도와 고차원학습 차이

Objectives This study empirically examines the level of higher-order learning among college students admitted through two distinct admission types: College Scholastic Aptitude Test (CSAT)-based and School Record-based admissions. It also investigates the mediating effect of major satisfaction in this relationship. This study aims to discuss educational implications of admission types and provide policy suggestions. Methods Data from a survey conducted on students at H University in Seoul were analyzed. A total of 915 responses were analyzed. Regression analysis was conducted to explain the relationship between admission types and the level of higher-order learning. Additionally, the mediating effect of major satisfaction was examined. Results Students admitted through CSAT-based admissions showed a tendency towards lower level of higher-order learning compared to those admitted through School Record-based admissions. Further analysis revealed that the lower level of higher-order learning among students admitted through CSAT-based admissions may be attributed to lower major satisfaction. The mediating effect of major satisfaction was statistically significant. Conclusions Difference in the level of higher-order learning exists between college students admitted through CSAT-based and School Record-based admissions. This difference appears to be closely related to their major satisfaction. These findings suggest a need to refine discussions on admission systems from an educational perspective.

Augmented Reality for the Development and Reinforcement of Spatial Skills: A Case Applied to Civil Engineering Students

The architecture, engineering, construction, and operation (AECO) industry has brought transformations within the field. Despite the changes, traditional teaching methods such as analyzing two-dimensional plans and models are still being used in training processes, which do not effectively promote the development of spatial skills. In this context, augmented reality (AR) can be used as a tool to translate two-dimensional information into three-dimensional space. Thus, the present study explores the use of the VT-Platform AR tool to develop and reinforce spatial skills among undergraduate civil engineering students. The study follows a quantitative approach with a descriptive scope and an experimental design. Students in the sanitary engineering subject were divided into two groups: an experimental group and a control group. A short-term teaching-learning methodology was proposed for the experimental group using the VT-Platform AR tool. Both groups took the differential aptitude test (DAT) to measure their spatial skills. The experimental group showed a higher average score compared to the control group, with a difference of 29.8%. Furthermore, the use of the VT-Platform AR tool helped standardize the level of spatial skills within the experimental group. It was concluded that using the VT-Platform AR tool can effectively develop and reinforce spatial skills among students.