Psychologie der Berufsarbeit und der Berufsberatung (Psychotechnik) II Spezieller Teil

Contents

I. Eignungsprüfungen in den einzelnen Berufen

This section concerns aptitude tests for various, specific careers.

1. Die Verkehrsberufe covers careers in transportation and traffic, such as Straßenbahnführer (Tram driver), Kraftfahrer (lorry driver) and Lokomotivführer (train driver). Although all three of these careers are very similar, differences in required abilities are still highlighted. For instance, the lack of tracks to guide lorry drivers provides an additional difficulty not present for tram and train drivers. All three careers require fast reaction times, decisiveness, stamina and calmness. Aptitude tests for pilots (Flugzeugführer) are also briefly discussed, though the authors note that these are of little use during times of peace, and are included only for completeness sake.
2. Der Facharbeiter der Metallindustrie concerns testing for workers in the metal industry.
3. Der Kanzleiangestellte und der kaufmännisch Angestellte covers demands for legal assistants as well as merchants.
4. Der Schriftsetzer und Buchdrucker goes over ideal characteristics for workers in the printing business, specifically for typesetters and printers.
5. Die Telephonistin (switchboard operator) is the only career for women covered in the book.
6. Der Telegraphist und Funker explores available aptitude tests for telegraph and radio operators.
7. Der Feuerwehrangestellte Firefighting is the only occupation for which medical aptitude tests, particularly concerning breathing patterns, are recommended in addition to psychological ones. Notably, psychological aptitude tests include those meant to assess skittishness, for instance by asking an applicant to perform precise movements (set down a full pail of water) while being exposed to unexpected sounds.
8. Der Kriminalbeamte concerns the necessary abilities for work as a police officer and detective.
9. Der Damenfriseur details the skills required by women's hair dressers, such as the ability to perform precise actions with both hands simultaneously.
10. Psychotechnisch wenig durcharbeitete Berufe: Holzgewerbe, Baugewerbe, Landwirtschaft, Schneiderberuf, höhere Berufe This section explores careers and occupations with no or poorly developed psychological aptitude tests. This includes jobs in Lumbering, construction, agriculture, tailoring and dressmaking and academia. Despite the lack of established aptitude tests, potential characteristics to test for are discussed. For example, results from questionnaires completed by vocational school teachers for these careers are presented. For instance, a stock breeder is associated with good eyesight (Sehschärfe) and colour vision (Farbentüchtigkeit), well-developed tactile abilities (Feinheit des Tastsinnes), good memory, general intelligence, stamina, cleanliness, an aesthetic sense, as well as the general ability to handle animals.

II. Praktischer Wert und Soziale Bedeutung der Psychotechnik

The second section of the book concerns the practical and social value of psychotechniques. It introduces criteria to assess the actual accuracy of specific tests in predicting future job performance. Criteria include the direct comparison of the performance of workers selected via aptitude testing and those selected without them, a better performance in aptitude tests by those already working in the corresponding career versus those who have no experience, and a correlation between existing employees' job performance and aptitude test performance.