Psychomotor abilities tests as predictors of training performance

The present study examined the predictive and incremental validity of three psychomotor ability measures (manual dexterity; finger dexterity; and motor coordination) in Canadian Forces personnel (n = 209) being trained in technical and mechanical occupations. For both types of occupations combined, manual dexterity predicted training performance (r = .18), as it did for the Technical (r = .22) and Mechanical (r = .17) families, separately. Finger Dexterity (r = .02) and Motor Coordination (r = .05) did not predict training performance for either the combined group or for each family by itself. The addition of the three psychomotor measures increased validity beyond what was predicted by cognitive ability in the combined occupations (Delta R-2 = .05); however, only Manual Dexterity (beta = .26) made a significant contribution to the regression model. Similar, though nonsignificant, increases in predictive validity occurred within each family. The results from this study suggest that specific abilities, when determined through a job analysis, improve predictions based solely on cognitive ability.