Introduction
The research study evolves from the idea of General Mental Ability (GMA) resurgence in the field of modern psychology. The conception, which was first described by Spearman in 1904, integrated some individual features that could measure intellectual performance. It was initially suggested that the GMA mechanism stems from genetic features.
Therefore, the primary objective that the study set was to investigate a correlation between General Mental Ability indication and the occupational traits (Schmidt and Hunter 162). Moreover, the authors analyze the predictive abilities of the testing system since it is acknowledged that GMA differentiates the key qualities that influence future achievements of a person.
Finally, the work explores the core features that impact the ability of an individual to learn and to gain occupational proficiency. Therefore, the fundamental task of the scientists, who conducted the analysis was to inspect the place of GMA in the world of work.
The Key Findings of the GMA Analysis
The research investigation was sustained on the basis of cross-sectional and longitudinal studies inspection. The general analysis of cross-sectional works revealed the primary occupational ratings. Due to the results of this study, the individuals, who score high on the GMA testing, are likely to obtain responsible positions at work.
In contrast to it, the workers, which possess low GMA rating can not enter distinguished and respectable professions. The practical investigation of longitudinal studies revealed the tendency of the GMA early tests to show the subsequent job hierarchy characteristics. Moreover, the study showed that people with higher GMA tend to earn more than those, who demonstrate lower results.
Besides, the analysis showed that there is a direct correlation between IQ results and GMA scores. A sophisticated examination of the occupational performance disapproved the claim, according to which GMA testing results account exclusively for academic performance. The authors of the work compared the achievements of separate professionals, who perform contrastive types of work and linked it to their GMA scores.
There are some additional evaluative schemes that are often compared to General Mental Ability test. These are individual traits, aptitudes, and job experience measurements. Due to the findings of the work, such alternative tests can measure specific practical abilities. However, it was concluded that GMA ratings are the only indicators of training performance.
Finally, according to Schmidt and Hunter (2004), there is a strong connection between performance and General Mental Ability. The work made a claim, due to which abilities are more significant in the job market than general training aptitudes and experience. Therefore, the research study discloses the theoretical foundation of occupational performance and can serve as an evaluative technique in modern educational programs.
Personality Traits as the Guarantees of Occupational Success
The most surprising finding of the research study is an establishment of the interrelation between the personal traits and work outcomes. Specifically, it was acknowledged that such quality as conscientiousness accounts for low performance in all professions. The conclusion is quite controversial since it is believed that some occupational spheres require patient and calm workers.
Nevertheless, the argument may support the idea of extrovert nature of the modern job market, which operates with speed, decisiveness, leadership, and creative solutions. The final discovery that is made by Schmidt and Hunter accounts for relative unimportance of occupational experience. Thus, the writing claims that performance quality depends exclusively on personal traits.
Works Cited
Schmidt, Frank and John Hunter. “General Mental Ability in the World of Work: Occupational Attainment and Job Performance.” Journal of Personality and Social Psychology 86.1 (2004): 162-173. Print.