The relationship between type of secondary education and subject choice with technically oriented aptitudes for automotive operators

CITATION: Puchert, J. I., Dodd, N. & Viljoen, K. 2017. The relationship between type of secondary education and subject choice with technically oriented aptitudes for automotive operators. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology / SA Tydskrif vir Bedryfsielkunde, 43:1-13, doi:10.4102/sajip.v43i0.1435.The original publication is available at http://www.sajip.co.zOrientation: The central theme of this study attends to the role of secondary education in relation to two broad categories of specific aptitudes (psychomotor and spatial abilities). Utilising type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice) could be a crucial selection mechanism for high-volume, entry-level technical positions. Research purpose: The objective of this research was to investigate whether the type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice) could be used as a proxy for psychomotor (dexterity and coordination) and/or spatial (ability to mentally assemble representations and spatial perception 2-D and 3-D) aptitudes in the selection of operators for an automotive plant in South Africa. Motivation for the study: The motivation for this study arose from the evident gap in academic literature as well as the selection needs of the automotive industry. Research design, approach and method: A quantitative approach with a cross-sectional research design was used with a convenience sample (n = 1566) of work-seeking applicants for automotive operator positions in South Africa. These applicants completed a biographical questionnaire and five sub-tests from the Trade Aptitude Test Battery. The Chi-square test was used to determine the association between form of Grade 12 qualification and selected technical aptitudes. Main findings: Statistically and practically significant relationships were found between type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice), eye–hand coordination and spatial visualisation. Broad performance levels in the five aptitude instruments employed in this study were significantly associated with the type of matriculation certificate held by applicants. Specifically, types of secondary education that included mathematics and/or science as subjects were associated with higher levels of performance in the five specific aptitudes. Practical/managerial implications: The type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice) held by applicants could be regarded as a key predictor variable in human resource selection. The study makes a case for a multiple-hurdles approach to selection and proposes a cost-effective preliminary screening method for low-level technical positions. Contribution/value-add: The study provides information to improve upon selection practices within the South African automotive industry. It could also assist human resource practitioners in designing selection processes for similar entry-level employees in other working contexts. The study makes a case for a multiple-hurdles approach to selection and highlights the reciprocal relationship between education and specific cognitive abilities in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.https://sajip.co.za/index.php/sajip/article/view/1435Publisher's versio

Secondary education as a predictor of aptitude : implications for selection in the automotive sector

CITATION: Puchert, J. I., Dodd, N. & Viljoen, K. L. 2017. Secondary education as a predictor of aptitude : implications for selection in the automotive sector. SA Journal of Industrial Psychology / SA Tydskrif vir Bedryfsielkunde, 43:1-13, doi:10.4102/sajip.v43i0.1416.The original publication is available at http://www.sajip.co.zaOrientation: Details of applicants’ secondary education (incorporating subject choice) could be a useful screening tool when processing large applicant pools. Here, the relationships between secondary education (incorporating subject choice) and the reasoning and visual perceptual speed components of the Differential Aptitude Test are explored. Research purpose: The objective of the study was to determine whether type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice) could be used as a substitute for reasoning (verbal and non-verbal) and/or visual perceptual speed aptitudes in the selection of operators for an automotive plant in South Africa. Motivation for the study: The motivation for this study arose from the evident gap in academic literature as well as the selection needs of the automotive industry. Research design, approach and method: This research adopted a quantitative approach. It involved a non-probability convenience quota sample of 2463 work-seeking applicants for an automotive operator position in South Africa. Participants completed a biographical questionnaire and three subtests from the Differential Aptitude Test battery. The Chi-square test was used to determine the relationship between type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice) and selected cognitive aptitudes. Main findings: The study’s findings revealed statistically and practically significant relationships between type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice), verbal reasoning, non-verbal reasoning and visual perceptual speed. Broad performance levels in the three aptitude subtests employed in this study were significantly associated with the type of matriculation certificate held by applicants. The findings specifically indicated that the secondary education types that included the subjects mathematics or both mathematics and science were associated with higher levels of performance in the three aptitudes. This had consequences for these applicants’ success in the screening process which could lead to enhanced chances of employability. Practical and managerial implications: Applicants’ type of secondary education (incorporating subject choice) could be regarded as a key criterion in human resource selection and be instructive in the screening process. This could reduce the candidate pool prior to more costly psychometric assessments. Contribution or value-add: The findings are specifically relevant to the South African automotive industry in terms of their human resource selection practices. The insights gained from the findings may also be used as a guide to human resource practitioners in the selection of similar level employees in other working contexts. The study makes a case for a multiple-hurdle approach to selection.https://sajip.co.za/index.php/sajip/article/view/1416Publisher's versio