Multiple task performance as a predictor of the potential of air traffic controller trainees.

OAM report.PDFTech ReportFAA-AM-72-5DOT/FAA/AM-72/5Air traffic controllersSelection and appointmentPerformance testsPerformance measurementArithmeticVisual perceptionGroupsProblem solvingAbilitiesAlertnessAttentionHuman information processingJudgment (Human characteristics)Ability testsTestingDynamic testsStatic testsWarning signalsSignal lightsRedGreenColorProbabilityReaction timeMultitaskingEducation and training methodsTraining devicesInstructorsRatingsExaminationsRegression analysisCorrelation analysisStatistical analysisValidityStandard deviationCoefficientsDescriptive statisticsMean (Statistics)Measuring instrumentsTask analysisWorkloadQuestionnairesUnited StatesCivil Aerospace Medical InstituteChiles, W. DeanJennings, Alan E.West, GeorgettaCivil Aeromedical InstituteUnited States. Office of Aviation MedicineNTL-AVIATION-Air Traffic ControlNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Human FactorsNTL-PLANNING AND POLICY-Aviation Planning and PolicyNTL-AVIATION-Aviation Planning and PolicyNTL-PLANNING AND POLICY-SurveysUS Transportation CollectionTwo hundred and twenty-nine air traffic controller trainees were tested on the CAMI Multiple Task Performance Battery. The battery provides objective measures of monitoring, arithmetical skills, visual discrimination, and group problem solving. The criterion of trainee potential was based on ratings from FAA Academy instructors in courses being attended by the trainees.Five studies were conducted. For each study, the quality coefficient is based on one hour of testing with about 50 minutes of preceding instruction and practice. It is concluded that the MTPB-approach to selection offers promise as a screening device for air traffic control specialist applicants, but further research is required to establish this as a fact and to determine its utility in terms of cost-effectiveness