Theory-based ability measurement: the learning abilities measurement program

This paper briefly describes the U.S. Air Force Learning Abilities Measurement Program (LAMP), which is devoted to the development of a science-based system of ability measurement. A short history is given of ability testing and research in the military services, along with a statement of the value of ability testing for making personnel selection and classification decisions. Although few advances in ability measurement have been made in the last two decades, the present availability of micro-computers and recent progress in our understanding of human cognition create possibilities for a major breakthrough in the state-of-the-art. Examples are provided of recent LAMP studies on processing speed and processing capacity which hold promise for forecasting individual differences in learning efficiency, performance capabilities, and susceptibility to information overload. Also discussed is a program which encourages university scientists working toward the same goals to make use of U.S. Air Force subjects and testing facilities.