USE OF AN ENGINEERING ANOLOGY IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF TESTS TO PREDICT TRACKING PERFORMANCE

The study attempted to describe performance in a complex perceptual-motor task in terms of a limited number of basic abilities. The criterion tracking task was considered complex since it involved a dual display, second order control system characteristics, and a requirement for dual error-nulling. A total of eight hours of practice, distributed over six weeks, was required for mastery of this task. An engineering analogy of the criterion task was developed. This analogy, based on servo-mechanics theory, was used to specify the basic activities involved. These activities in turn were used in hypothesizing a set of abilities believed to underlie task proficiency. To the extent possible, for each hypothesized ability three tests were constructed. It was hoped that these tests would serve as predictors of performance in the tracking task. These tests were classified as paper-and-pencil, electronic, and mechanical. (Author)