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A Follow-up Study of Naval Academy Graduates of the Class of 1951

Author(s):
Ricciuti, Henry N.
Publication Year:
1954
Report Number:
RB-54-03
Source:
ETS Research Bulletin
Document Type:
Report
Page Count:
23
Subject/Key Words:
Bureau of Navy Personnel, Office of Naval Research, Graduate Surveys, Informal Assessment, Leadership Qualities, Naval Academy, Prediction, Student Evaluation

Abstract

The primary purpose of this research was to study the relationships between undergraduate ratings of "aptitude-for-service" (or leadership potential") at the Naval Academy, and shipboard officer performance subsequent to graduation. For 324 members of the class of 1951, officer performance measures (fitness report ratings) for shipboard assignments held during approximately the first year after graduation were correlated with the following measures of undergraduate performance: a) aptitude- for-service ratings for three cruises and two academic periods; b) class standings in selected courses, physical training and conduct; and c) ability test scores. The over-all findings indicated that the aptitude-for- service ratings were superior to the other undergraduate measures as predictors of subsequent officer performance, and led to the conclusion that these ratings represent an evaluation of important correlates of future success as a Naval officer, as judged by fitness report estimates. For a sub-sample of 98 individuals, a study was made of the relationships between post-graduation officer performance and several biographical or background factors, as well as several indices of the individual's manner of rating others at the Naval Academy. The principal finding of interest was a positive relationship (r = .28) between officer fitness report ratings and the age of the individual.

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