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Claims  |
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The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or
privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
1. A computer implemented method for assessing a task-processing style of
an individual, comprising the steps of:
a. defining a simulated situation for the individual with scenario data
that are presented to the individual on a computer-controlled display;
b. making available resource data to the individual on the
computer-controlled display so that the individual can optionally select
and review the resource data, the resource data being, at least in part,
usable by the individual to resolve the simulated situation;
c. recording each access of the resource data made by the individual, and
the responses produced by the individual to resolve the simulated
situation, thereby producing raw subject data;
d. statistically analyzing the raw subject data to produce a statistical
database in which are compiled the accesses made by the individual of the
resource data and the responses of the individual to resolve the simulated
situation; and
e. using the statistical database, generating a report that generally
characterizes the task-processing style of the individual in respect to a
plurality of preselected parameters that are determined according to a set
of predefined rules.
2. The method of claim 1, further comprising the step of training the
individual before assessing the individual's task-processing style, to
assist the individual in teaming to use the computer-controlled display
and in entering specific response data in resolving the simulated
situation.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of making available resource
data comprises the step of providing the individual with a plurality of
screens that are each selectively displayed on the computer-controlled
display, each screen presenting the resource data.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of making available resource
data comprises the step of providing the individual with a plurality of
graphic icons that are displayed on the computer-controlled display, so
that when selected by the individual, each graphic icon causes a different
aspect of the resource data to be displayed on the computer-controlled
display.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein the available resource data are organized
as a plurality of data types that are presented to the individual on the
computer-controlled display as a plurality of choices from which the
individual can select view at least one data type on the
computer-controlled display at a time.
6. The method of claim 5, wherein selection of one of the plurality of data
types by the individual causes additional choices of data to be displayed
on the computer-controlled display for selection by the individual, each
selection by the individual comprising an access of the resource data that
is recorded in a sequential order that it occurs and is characterized as
an input to the individual in producing the raw subject data.
7. The method of claim 6, further comprising the step of providing a
plurality of choices on the computer-controlled display from which the
individual can select at least one choice to develop at least a partial
resolution of the simulated situation, each such choice being
characterized as an output by the individual in producing the raw subject
data.
8. The method of claim 7, wherein the step of statistically analyzing the
raw subject data includes the step of determining a sequential order,
frequency, and time durations of the input and the output, and wherein the
step of generating the report comprises the step of defining a relative
order, frequency, and time duration of the input and the output by the
individual.
9. The method of claim 8, wherein the output comprises a plurality of types
of production, and wherein the step of statistically analyzing the raw
subject data further includes the step of determining the relative
proportion of output for each type of production.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein the types of production include
conceptual, selective, and implementive, and wherein the step of
generating the report further comprises the step of defining the types of
production exhibited by the individual in resolving the simulated
situation and the relative proportion of each type.
11. The method of claim 1, further comprising the steps of presenting a
plurality of options organized as an array on the computer-controlled
display, and recording a sequential order in which each of the options is
selectively accessed by the individual, the sequential order of such
accesses comprising a portion of the raw subject data.
12. The method of claim 11, wherein the step of statistically analyzing the
raw subject data includes a determination of the individual's
methodicalness, and wherein the step of generating a report comprises the
step of defining the methodicalness of the individual as one of the
preselected parameters.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of statistically analyzing the
raw subject data includes the step of determining an average number of
accesses of the resource data before the individual made a decision, to
determine how decisive and selective the individual is.
14. The method of claim 13, wherein generating the report includes the step
of defining a decisive-selective characteristic for the individual as one
of the preselected parameters.
15. The method of claim 1, wherein a resolution of the simulated situation
comprises a plurality of loosely defined components, and wherein the step
of statistically analyzing the raw subject data includes the step of
determining an extent to which sequential responses by the individual in
resolving the simulated situation either were directed to a specific
component of the resolution, thereby indicating that the individual
exhibits a specific implementation method, or were generally directed to
different components, indicating that the individual exhibits a general
implementation method.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein the step of generating the report
includes the step of defining a general-specific characteristic for the
individual as one of the preselected parameters.
17. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of generating the report
comprises the step of producing a graphic representation of a
corresponding task-processing characteristic of the individual that is one
of the preselected parameters.
18. A computer for assessing an individual's task-processing style,
comprising:
i a. a central processing unit;
b. memory means for storing:
i. instructions that control the central processing unit;
ii. scenario data defining a simulated situation that is to be resolved by
the individual;
iii. resource data, of which, at least a portion is useful in resolving the
simulated situation; and
iv. response data that represent at least a part of the individual's
resolution of the simulated situation;
c. display means, connected to the central processing unit, for displaying:
i. the scenario data;
ii. specific resource data selectively accessed by the individual; and
iii. specific response data provided by the individual in resolving the
simulated situation;
d. entry means, electrically connected to the central processing unit, for
enabling the individual to select the specific resource data for display
on the display means and for entering the specific response data into the
memory means;
e. statistical analysis means, for analyzing the specific resource data
selected by the individual and its sequential order of selection, and for
analyzing the specific response data, producing a statistical database
that is stored by the memory means; and
f. report generation means for generating a report from the statistical
database that defines the individual's task-processing style in respect to
a plurality of preselected parameters in accord with predefined rules.
19. The system of claim 18, wherein the instructions that control the
central processing unit comprise a training session for the individual
implemented before assessing the individual's task-processing style for
insuring the individual knows how to use the entry means and how to select
from a plurality of options presented on the display means.
20. The system of claim 18, wherein the scenario data are organized as a
plurality of data types presented to the individual on the display means
as a plurality of choices from which the individual selectively chooses
using the entry means, the data type selected by the individual comprising
a portion of the specific response data stored by the memory means.
21. The system of claim 20, wherein selection of one data type by the
individual causes the central processing means to display additional
choices of data on the display means, and wherein selection of such data
by the individual comprises a selective access of the resource data that
is stored in the memory means in the sequence in which it occurs, for
analysis by the statistical analysis means.
22. The system of claim 21, wherein the statistical analysis means
determine a sequential order and a frequency with which the resource data
are selected by the individual and with which the specific response data
are provided by the individual, in producing the statistical database, and
the report generation means use the statistical database to define a
relative order, frequency, and time durations with which the resource data
are accessed and specific responses are made by the individual.
23. The system of claim 22, wherein the responsive data are characterized
in the statistical database as comprising a plurality of types of
production, including conceptual, selective, and implementive production,
and using the statistical database, the report generation means define a
relative proportion of each type of production exhibited by the individual
in resolving the simulated situation.
24. The system of claim 18, wherein one of the preselected parameters used
by the report generation means in defining the individual's
task-processing style is methodicalness, which is determined by the
statistical analysis means as a function of an order and a pattern with
which the individual accesses choices presented in an array on the display
means.
25. The system of claim 18, wherein the statistical analysis means analyze
accesses of the resource data by the individual to determine an average
number of accesses made prior to the individual making a decision that
comprises a specific response to produce the statistical database, and the
report generation means use the statistical database to define a
decisive-selective characteristic for the individual as one of the
preselected parameters.
26. The system of claim 18, wherein a resolution of the simulated situation
comprises a plurality of loosely defined components, and wherein the
statistical analysis means determine an extent to which sequential
responses by the individual in resolving the simulated simulation either
were directed to a specific component, indicating a specific
implementation method, or were directed to different components,
indicating a general implementation method, and using the statistical
database, the report generation means define a general-decisiveness
characteristic of the individual as one of the preselected parameters.
27. The system of claim 18, wherein the display means comprise a
touch-sensitive screen display, and wherein the scenario data and the
resource data are presented to the individual on the touch-sensitive
screen display, the entry means comprising means for detecting a portion
of the touch-sensitive screen display touched by the individual to make a
selection among a plurality of choices displayed thereon to selectively
control and access the scenario data and the resource data.
28. The system of claim 18, wherein at least a portion of the specific
response data comprises graphical icons that are selected and positioned
by the individual on the display means using the entry means, the
selection and arrangement of the icons comprising at least a portion of
the resolution of the simulated situation. |
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Claims |
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Description |
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FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention generally pertains to a system and a method for
psychologically testing an individual, and more specifically, for
evaluating an individual's response and behavior when presented with a
problem.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
People often seek employment at jobs for which they are not well suited.
The prospective employee may be influenced by salary, location,
responsibility, esteem, and other desirable aspects of a position.
Unfortunately, factors in the individual's personality, attitude, and
task-processing style may cause the person to be unhappy with the job and
unable to perform at a level consistent with the employer's expectations.
Accordingly, it is likely that the employee will either quit after a short
time on the job, or perform poorly so that both the employee and the
employer will be dissatisfied.
To avoid this result, some corporations have begun to use personality
profile tests that attempt to determine whether a prospective employee
possesses certain characteristics that are believed appropriate and
important in an employee selected to fill a specific position. These tests
usually include multiple choice questions, a subjective evaluation by a
psychologist, or both. While such tests may give some insight into certain
aspects of the applicant's personality, they are generally incapable of
answering more critical issues that directly affect the person's likely
satisfaction with the job and subsequent performance if hired.
Prior art psychological tests have not included effective tools for
assessing how an individual will process tasks, i.e., to determine a
person's task-processing style. Instead, such tests try to develop data
that describe the examinee's personality traits. This information may be
useful in determining whether a person is trustworthy or for predicting an
individual's ability to learn a new skill, but it does not help in
evaluating the person's task-processing style.
Virtually every job involves some form of task-processing activity. The
problems that arise on a job may be long-term tasks that must be completed
by developing a multi-faceted solution, or, may simply represent the
daily, routine decisions that an employee must make. Some courses of
action or decisions are made only after assimilating a multitude of data,
or alternatively, may be based on nothing more than an opinion. Regardless
of the complexity of the situation, each individual typically exhibits a
characteristic style in processing a task. One person may repetitively
review all available data before beginning a task; another person may make
decisions or start a task with only a minimal input of available data.
Determining an individual's task-processing style is particularly important
if a significant portion of the employee's job involves processing tasks
in prescribed ways. Accordingly, there is a need for an assessment that an
employer can make of a prospective employee to determine the individual's
characteristic task-processing style. The assessment should determine how
an individual handles a situation, how the person processes data that can
be used in resolving the situation, and how the person goes about
developing a resolution to the situation. To minimize costs, the
assessment should efficiently evaluate individual characteristics of a
person's task-processing style using objective criteria that are
subjectively applied to determine a person's suitability for a job. An
assessment of this type would also be valuable in the fields of education,
personal career evaluation, and in health sciences.
Several studies have been made of how people process and evaluate
information in making a decision. For example, U. Dahlstrand and H.
Montgomery reported on such a study in their paper "Information Search And
Evaluative Processes In Decision Making: A Computer Based Process Tracing
Study" Acta Psychologics, Vol. 56 (1984), pp 113-123. In this study, 26
subjects were asked to choose among five flats (apartments) by interacting
with a computer on which information about each flat was available. Each
flat was described in detail with regard to eight attributes, including
rent, location, size, quality, floor plan, type of structure,
surroundings, and access to public transportation. For each subject, the
computer recorded the sequence of data accessed by the subject, a rating
of the attractiveness of each presented aspect, and ratings of eligibility
of each alternative after each tenth aspect presentation, along with the
latency of each aspect presentation. The data compiled on the computer for
each subject were analyzed to determined the number of times the subject
requested information on an alternative and then ranked the alternatives
by the amount of attention paid to them by the subject. However, this
study was not intended to evaluate a particular individual's
task-processing style; instead, it served to provide general and
statistical information about how a group of subjects reached a decision
so that the investigators could better understand the decision-making
process.
In a report entitled, "The C.I.T.I.E.S. Game--A Computer-Based Situation
Assessment Task for Studying Distributed Decision Making" by A. Rodney
Wellens and D. Etgener, published in Simulation & Games, Vol. 19, No. 3,
September 1988, pp. 304-327, a game developed for conducting empirical
research on strategic decision making is described. This game is played by
a group of four subjects that are divided into a fire-rescue team and a
police-tow team of two members each. The teams are each instructed to
respond to simulated emergencies and are given the task of protecting the
lives and property of the inhabitants of an imaginary township. A
touch-sensitive computer monitor displays city maps on which emergencies
are identified as they arise in the imaginary township. Various icons
graphically represent the types of emergencies that occur and indicate the
appropriate team to respond. For each region displayed on the city maps,
selectable information screens are provided that describe any emergency
arising within that region in greater detail. More information is also
available to the teams by successively touching a dialog box portion of
the screen labeled "MORE INFO," by causing a succession of summary charts
to be presented on the monitor. The teams respond to the emergencies by
assigning resources such as fire trucks or squad cars to handle the
emergency. If the assigned resources are insufficient, the controller
causes the emergency icon on the screen to remain red; the icon turns
purple if events accelerate out of control. Resources can be reassigned to
higher priority emergencies, if the team chooses to do so. The computer
records data indicating the amount of information sought by each team
before assigning resources to an emergency and includes variable "growth"
curves that define how the event magnitudes and frequency of events are
determined.
By studying the data produced by teams playing the C.I.T.I.E.S. game under
different conditions, the researchers have evaluated the effects of
team-to-team communication bandwidth (i.e., team intercontact, computer
conferencing, audio conferencing, and two-way TV) upon situation
assessment, social dynamics, and team effectiveness. The report also
suggests that the game can be used "as a diagnostic and training tool,"
noting that "considerable individual differences in event and team
`management` style" have been evident. However, the report does not
suggest or teach how the game might be used for assessing an individual's
task-processing style; it appears that the game is more suited to
evaluating the manner in which people work together in a team.
Although each of the above-noted studies have made use of a computer for
presenting information to subjects being evaluated and for collecting data
covering the subjects' response to a situation, these studies and other
related prior art do not disclose how to identify or quantify a specific
individual's characteristic approach to resolving a situation or carrying
out a task. Information that defines an individual's characteristic
task-processing style might include: the extent to which a person accesses
input data before producing output, i.e., starts processing the task; an
indication of how decisive versus selective the person is in making
decisions; the nature of the person's output, i.e., whether conceptual,
selective, or implementive; data showing how methodical the person is in
processing information, i.e., input data, in resolving a situation; and an
indication of whether the person tends to work on specific parts of a
resolution or is very general in developing a resolution to a situation.
Use of a computer to quickly and objectively assess a person's
task-processing style is clearly important to eliminate subjective bias
and to efficiently complete the evaluation of the individual's
task-processing style within a reasonable time.
Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method
and apparatus for assessing the task-processing style of an individual. A
further object is to evaluate the individual's task-processing style by
presenting the person with a relatively complex, but loosely structured
task and to provide the individual with many different sources of
information that are relevant to processing the task. A still further
object is to conduct the evaluation with a computer, and thus, to
efficiently collect data useful in assessing the person's task-processing
style. Another object is, prior to beginning the assessment, to train the
person to: use the computer, access the information that may be helpful in
resolving the situation, and input a resolution to the task. Finally, it
is an object to process the data collected for the individual during the
exercise and to produce objective parameters that define how the person
resolves situations. The foregoing aspects and many further attendant
advantages of this invention will become apparent by reference to the
accompanying drawings and the Detailed Description of the Preferred
Embodiment, which follows.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with the present invention, a method for assessing a
task-processing style of an individual includes the steps of defining a
simulated situation for the individual with scenario data, presented to
the individual on a computer-controlled display. Resource data are made
available to the individual on the computer-controlled display so that the
individual can optionally select and review the resource data, which are,
at least in part, usable by the individual to resolve the simulated
situation. Each access of the resource data made by the individual, and
any responses produced by the individual to resolve the simulated
situation, are recorded, producing raw subject data. The raw subject data
are statistically analyzed to produce a statistical database in which are
compiled the accesses made by the individual of the resource data and the
responses of the individual to resolve the simulated situation. Using the
statistical database, a report is generated that characterizes the
task-processing style of the individual with respect to a plurality of
preselected parameters that are determined according to a set of
predefined rules.
Before assessing the individual's task-processing style, training is
provided to assist the individual in learning to use the
computer-controlled display and in entering specific response data that
represent a resolution of the simulated situation. This training thus
familiarizes the individual with the equipment so that the assessment can
proceed.
To access the resource data, the individual is provided with a plurality of
screens that are each selectively displayed on the computer-controlled
display. Each screen presents a different aspect of the resource data. A
plurality of graphic icons are also displayed on the computer-controlled
display so that when selected by the individual, a different aspect of the
resource data is presented.
The available resource data are preferably organized as a plurality of data
types that are presented to the individual on the computer-controlled
display as a plurality of choices from which the individual can elect to
view at least one data type on the computer-controlled display at a time.
Selection of one of the plurality of data types by the individual causes
additional choices of resource data to be opened on the
computer-controlled display for selection by the individual. Each
selection by the individual comprises an access of the resource data that
is recorded in the sequential order that it occurs and is characterized as
an "input" to the individual in producing the raw subject data. The
individual is also presented with a plurality of choices on the
computer-controlled display from which the individual can select at least
one choice to develop at least a partial resolution of the simulated
situation, and the choice is recorded as part of the raw subject data.
The step of statistically analyzing the raw subject data includes
determining the sequential order and frequency of the input and output to
and from the individual. Based on this raw subject data, the step of
generating the report comprises the step of defining a relative order and
frequency of input and output by the individual.
The output of the individual is characterized as comprising a plurality of
types of production. The step of statistically analyzing the raw subject
data includes determining the relative proportion of output from the
individual that is of each type of production. The types of production
preferably include conceptual, selective, and implementive. In generating
the report, the types of production exhibited by the individual in
resolving the simulated situation and their relative proportion are
defined.
A plurality of options organized as an array on the computer-controlled
display are presented to the individual. The sequential order in which
each of the options is selectively accessed by the individual is recorded
as part of the raw subject data. By analyzing this raw subject data, a
determination of the individual's methodicalness is determined. The step
of generating the report includes the step of defining the methodicalness
of the individual as one of the preselected parameters.
An average number of accesses of the resource data made before the
individual makes a decision in resolving the simulated situation
determines how decisive or selective the individual is. A
decisive/selective characteristic for the individual is defined as one of
the preselected parameters when generating the report.
A resolution of the simulated situation comprises a plurality of loosely
defined components. The step of statistically analyzing the raw subject
data includes the step of determining an extent to which sequential
responses by the individual in resolving the simulated situation were
directed to a specific component of the resolution, indicating that the
individual exhibits a specific implementation method, or alternatively,
determining an extent to which the individual's sequential responses were
generally directed to different components, indicating that the individual
exhibits a general implementation method. Accordingly, when generating the
report, a general/specific characteristic for the individual is defined as
one of the preselected parameters.
The step of generating the report preferably includes the step of producing
a graphic representation of a corresponding task-processing characteristic
of the individual, which is one of the preselected parameters.
A system for assessing an individual's task-processing style is a further
aspect of this invention. The system generally includes means for carrying
out the functions performed in the steps of the method just described.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the computer system used to assess an
individual's task-processing style;
FIG. 2 is a block diagram that relates the functionality of the method
comprising the present invention to the computer system of FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a flow chart generally showing the steps implemented in assessing
an individual's task-processing style;
FIG. 4A is a flow chart of an input subroutine and shows the steps for
intercepting input resulting by the subject touching portions of a main
menu or other touch-sensitive regions of a touch-sensitive display screen;
FIG. 4B shows the screen display for the main menu;
FIG. 5A is a flow chart illustrating a subroutine used to process choices
by the subject relating to an "In-basket," which is one of the sources of
data for resolving the task;
FIG. 5B is a screen display illustrating the presentation of memos in the
In-basket;
FIG. 6A is a flow chart of a subroutine that handles an In-basket response
grid;
FIG. 6B is an exemplary screen display showing the In-basket response grid;
FIGS. 7A and 7C-7I are flow charts showing subroutines used in accepting an
individual's input when designing a zoo layout and in controlling the
display of the zoo layout and icons selected by the individual;
FIG. 7B is a screen display of the zoo layout configuration presented to
the subject;
FIG. 8A is a flow chart showing the subroutine for accessing input data in
a Reference Manual;
FIG. 8B is an exemplary screen display showing two of the pages in a Table
Of Contents entry in the Reference Manual;
FIG. 9 is a flow chart of an output subroutine that provides a data stream
of raw subject data used to analyze the individual's task-processing
style;
FIG. 10 is a flow chart of a post-assessment subroutine in which the
individual responds to questions about the exercise;
FIG. 11 is a flow chart showing the steps for analyzing the individual's
task-processing style based on the data stream of raw subject data
produced by the individual during the exercise; and
FIGS. 12A-12K illustrate examples of various aspects of the report produced
for an individual who has taken the exercise.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
With reference to FIG. 1, apparatus for determining the task-processing
style of an individual are shown generally at reference numeral 10. In the
preferred embodiment, apparatus 10 includes a conventional personal
computer, such as a PC-AT, having a central processing unit (CPU) 12a,
which preferably comprises an 80386 or equivalent processor. In addition,
personal computer 12 includes a read only memory (ROM) 12b, which is used
for storing instructions causing the CPU to load and run programs, and a
random access memory (RAM) 12c, which is used for volatile storage of
program instructions during execution of a program, variables, and other
data. Personal computer 12 further includes a hard disk drive 12d, which
provides magnetic storage of programs and data, and may include one or
more floppy disk drives (not separately shown).
In addition, apparatus 10 preferably includes a touch-sensitive screen
display 14 that is used to display graphic and text data that define the
task presented to the subject undergoing the assessment. Touch-sensitive
screen display 14 responds to the subject's touching a specific portion of
the screen to indicate a response, by transmitting a signal to CPU 12a
indicating the row and column touched, thereby enabling the subject to
provide input data during the exercise. Optionally, the apparatus can
include other types of pointing devices or data entry devices, including a
keyboard 16 for entry of text data and controlling a cursor position on
touch-sensitive screen display 14 or conventional keypad cursor controls
(not shown). Due to variations in each subject's aptitude for typing,
optional keyboard 16 is a less preferred data entry and pointing device
than touch-sensitive screen display 14. However, when used for evaluating
subjects familiar with data entry using a keyboard, it may provide a more
expedient means for entering data and pointing to areas of the display.
Similarly, an optional mouse 18 can be used as a pointing device to control
the position of a cursor on touch-sensitive screen display 14 and to enter
data selected with the mouse controls. It should be apparent that if
optional keyboard 16 and/or optional mouse 18 are provided, a more
conventional screen display can be used instead of touch-sensitive screen
display 14, since the subject would then be able to point and enter data
without the benefit of a touch-sensitive screen display. Apparatus 10 also
preferably includes a printer 13, connected to computer 12, for printing a
report that defines the individual's task-processing style with respect to
a plurality of predefined parameters. It should be apparent that computer
12 can comprise a network server and the touch-sensitive display screen or
other data entry and pointing device can be one of a plurality of
terminals connected thereto in a local area network, thereby enabling a
plurality of individuals to undergo the exercise and assessment
simultaneously with a minimum of hardware.
In FIG. 2, the functions provided by apparatus 10 are referenced to
specific elements of the apparatus shown in FIG. 1. A subject 19,
represented by a stick figure, responds to data displayed on
touch-sensitive screen display 14 using a pointing device, which may in
fact comprise the touch-sensitive screen display and/or the optional mouse
18 (or optional keyboard 16). CPU 12a carries out the assessment, which is
divided into three parts, initially functioning as a simulation data
collection platform 20 and then running a statistical analysis program 23,
and finally, running a report writing program 25. Data that are originally
stored on hard drive 12d include graphics image data 21, which are used by
the simulation data collection platform (20) in producing specific screen
displays and may include text presented in a graphics display mode. In
response to input by subject 19, using touch-sensitive screen display 14
(or another data entry/pointing device), simulation data collection
platform 20 produces a stream of raw subject data 22, which are stored
magnetically on hard drive 12d.
Following completion of the simulated task by subject 19, raw subject data
22 is then input to statistical analysis program 23, which processes the
raw subject data, producing a statistical database 24 that includes the
data representing input by subject 19 organized into a form enabling it to
be used for generating a report of various parameters that define the
subject's task-processing style. Report writing program 25 uses
statistical database 24 in connection with a report text database 26 to
produce a report 27, which is printed on printer 13. A sample of report 27
is discussed below.
A subject's task-processing style is assessed in accordance with the
present invention by presenting the individual with a relatively complex
but loosely structured task, which is selected so as not to require any
specialized skills that might bias the results. As initially explained to
subject 19, the only requirements for completing the exercise are that the
subject has the ability to: see the touch-sensitive screen display, touch
the screen, and read and comprehend the English language. Impliedly, it is
also necessary for the subject to finish the exercise to provide
meaningful results. The subject is also instructed to continue the
exercise until it is completed to his/her satisfaction, or until the time
limit is reached. Preferably, the actual exercise requires 90 minutes.
Before the exercise begins, the background of the task is explained to the
subject and the subject is instructed how to access data that may be
important in completing the task and how to provide responses using the
touch-sensitive screen display (or other pointer device employed). This
initial training period takes about 28 minutes and includes an interval of
approximately 10 minutes for familiarization of the subject with each
aspect of the exercise and the available resource data. Following a
five-minute break, the actual exercise begins. At the completion of the
exercise, subject 19 is requested to complete a short questionnaire
presented on touch-sensitive screen display 14, which requires
approximately five minutes. The questionnaire critiques the exercise, but
also develops additional raw subject data for evaluating the subject's
task-processing style.
In explaining the background of the simulated task implemented in the
preferred embodiment, subject 19 is advised via touch-sensitive screen
display 14 that he/she has been appointed to fill a position suddenly and
unexpectedly left vacant as a result of the unexplained departure of the
Assistant Superintendent of Parks, for the City of Royal Cove, USA. The
primary responsibility of the Assistant Superintendent of Parks is to plan
and develop parks and recreation facilities. The subject is also advised
that the City of Royal Cove has undertaken a large and important project,
the building of a new zoological garden. As Chairman of the Zoo Steering
Committee, the Assistant Superintendent of Parks is responsible for
developing the preliminary layout of the new zoo, which will provide a
guide for architects. The preliminary layout must be completed by a
scheduled 1:00 p.m. meeting with the architects. In addition, as a City
Council Member, this fictitious person represents the City residents
regarding the governing of Royal Cove. There are environmental, political,
economic, and other concerns involved in designing the zoo.
The subject is then advised that it is now 9:00 a.m. on the morning of the
subject's first day on this new job, and that the subject is seated at the
desk of the former Assistant Superintendent of Parks, ready to assume the
responsibilities of that position. The subject is informed: "Your task is
to take over and do whatever you feel needs to be done to meet the demands
of the job." It should thus be apparent that the task defined by these
instructions to the subject is very loosely structured, thereby giving the
subject considerable latitude in carrying out the responsibilities of the
position in completing the simulated task.
As noted above, during the preliminarily instructional period, subject 19
is instructed on how to use touch-sensitive screen display 14 in accessing
data necessary to carry out the responsibilities of the job, and in
providing input data as may appear appropriate. "Buttons" and icons that
appear on touch-sensitive screen displ | | |
