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The selective-listening task as a test for pilots and air traffic controllers
L C Boer1, M Harsveld, P H Hermans
1TNO Human Factors Research Institute, Soesterberg, The Netherlands.
Summary
The selective-listening task (SLT) accurately predicts training success for aviator and air traffic control applicants. This cognitive test offers valuable incremental validity to existing selection batteries.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Human Factors Engineering
- Personnel Selection
Background:
- The selective-listening task (SLT), developed in 1971, measures crucial cognitive abilities.
- Existing selection methods may not fully capture all necessary skills for critical roles.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive validity of the SLT for military personnel selection.
- To determine the incremental validity of the SLT when added to existing selection tests.
Main Methods:
- The SLT was administered to 175 Royal Netherlands Air Force aviator applicants and 87 Royal Netherlands Navy air traffic control applicants.
- Performance on the SLT was correlated with training pass-fail rates and compared with other selection tests using multiple regression analysis.
Main Results:
- SLT performance significantly correlated with training outcomes (r=.34) in both aviator and air traffic control samples.
- The SLT demonstrated incremental validity, explaining unique variance not accounted for by other selection tests.
Conclusions:
- The SLT enhances the assessment capabilities of current selection batteries for critical operational roles.
- Recommendations include simplifying the SLT scoring and further improving its validity for personnel selection.