A study to compare the effectiveness of the Differential Aptitude Test and the Adapted Guyanese Test for identifying aptitudes among students in Guyanese secondary schools

Abstract

This study sought to compare the effectiveness of (a) the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) and (b) the Adapted Guyanese Test for identifying selected aptitudes, as defined by these tests, among students in Guyanese secondary schools. A committee of qualified Guyanese modified the Verbal Reasoning, Spelling, and Grammar of the DAT, and both tests were administered to a sample of 197 secondary school students (160 males and 67 females). Data were also collected from subjects in five occupational groups, aged 16-18, comprising 27 mechanics, 15 book-keepers, 14 bank tellers, 18 bank clerks, and 27 electricians. Results of the data analysis revealed that: 1) there was no significant difference in the scores made on American and Guyanese tests; 2) there were no significant differences in correlations of on-the-job performance as predicted by American and Guyanese tests; and 3) employees' scores on the DAT were not associated with total supervisor ratings, as measured by total industrial score