Translation & Adaptation of(Patterns) & (Assembly) Scales of The Flanagan Aptitude Classification Tests (FACT)

Abstract

The Flanagan Aptitude Classification Tests (FACT) assesses aptitudes that are important for successful performance of particular job-related tasks. An individual's aptitude can then be matched to the job tasks. The FACT helps to determine the tasks in which a person has proficiency. Each test measures a specific skill that is important for particular occupations. The FACT battery is designed to provide measures of an individual's aptitude for each of 16 job elements.

The FACT consists of 16 tests used to measure aptitudes that are important for the successful performance of many occupational tasks. The tests provide a broad basis for predicting success in various occupational fields. All are paper and pencil tests that can be given to an individual or to a large group by a single examiner.

Each of the 16 tests in the FACT series is printed in a separate booklet. This allows the tests to be administered individually or as a complete battery. One of these tests is (Patterns Scale & Assembly Scale), which consists of different shapes that needs an answer.

The Flanagan Aptitude Classification Tests have been used in a wide variety of organizations. These include industrial and business firms, educational institu­tions, hospitals, nursing schools and various governmental institutions. The FACT may be used for selection, placement, reclassification and vocational counseling. There are a recommended tests for 37 occupational areas, as well as general college aptitude, all of these tests are listed in the original manual of the (FACT Battery)

Selection and Placement: The FACT may be used individually or as a partial or complete battery to aid in selection and placement. If used in selection, the battery can be a valuable aid in determining if the applicant has the capacity to learn the job requirements. If used in placement, the battery can identify individuals who have more ability and aptitude that fit the requirements of one job better than another. A person who has a high aptitude for engineering, for example, should be able to learn the skills of engineering quickly and enjoy above-average success as an engineer. An individual with a low aptitude for engineering will probably have difficulty in learning engineering skills. Different occupations require different test combinations to assess the specific job-related skills necessary to perform adequately in each position.

Vocational Counseling: The FACT can be administered to individuals or to a large group. Selected individual tests of the battery may be administered if desired. Selected tests from the FACT battery may be used with an individual who has tentatively decided upon a vocation. The occupational Stanine score, discussed in this study, provides an index of probable success in the vocation. A high score indicates high abilities in that area. Conversely, a low score indicates low abilities in that area. FACT scores can help both the individual and the counselor in providing realistic vocational planning.

Vocational Classes: The FACT may also be used in school courses for vocational planning. After the students have completed the FACT, each student should compute his or her occupational Stanine scores. These scores can then be the focus of discussion centering both on explanation and interpretation. The FACT scores provide students with an increased self-understanding of their vocational aptitudes. A student can then make wiser vocational decisions by matching his/her abilities with the requirements of a job. Overall, the FACT scores provide highly valuable information for individual vocational planning and broad school programs for vocational guidance.

From the above introduction, the importance of this study arises, and the study aimed to translate and make an adaptation of (Patterns Scale & Assembly Scale) to be a valid and reliable instruments for the Iraqi population.

After getting through the procedures of this study, the above-mentioned Scales has been translated and adapted for the Iraqi environment according to the international standards for translations and adaptations of psychological assessments, and resulting an Arabic valid and reliable version suitable for the Iraqi environment. The research outcomes also with some recommendations & suggestions.