Generalizing physical ability test validity: A case study using test transportability, validity generalization, and construct-related validation evidence

This paper describes a field study using Position Analysis Questionnaire (P AQ; McCormick, Jeanneret, & Mecham, 1972) data to support inferences of phy sical ability test (PAT) validity at a large utility company. The project d eveloped a test transportability procedure using worker-oriented job analys is, and was based on synthesizing the findings of an earlier consortium pro ject (American Gas Association, 1990), recent validity generalization evide nce, and findings from a variety of physical ability construct-related rese arch projects published or presented since the completion of the original c onsortium study. Selected PAQ divisional dimension scores for 95 jobs were analyzed via cluster analysis to develop five physical demand job families. Statistically derived job families were modified very slightly based on re views by subject matter experts who found PAQ-derived job family structures quite reasonable (agreement of 95% between statistical and rational proced ures). PAQ strength attributes were used to estimate the physical demands u nderlying job families. The statistical and analytic procedures developed a nd reported here could be applied in other organizational settings, and all ow broader applicability of the PAT than would a task-based transportabilit y model.