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The Wiesen Test of Mechanical Aptitude
(WTMA) is a brief, written test of mechanical aptitude.
The WTMA measures basic ability rather than formal schooling
or job experience.
It uses pictures and simple sentences to ask questions about
everyday objects and situations.
In that way, the WTMA is designed to give all candidates an
equal chance to do well, whatever their academic preparation or work
experience.
Mechanical aptitude helps people learn about and use tools,
machines and equipment.
The WTMA is designed for use in selecting entry-level
personnel for jobs involving the operation, maintenance, and repair of
mechanical equipment of various types.
The WTMA is available in a self-scoring, and a computer or
hand scoring format.
In a group of 80 African
American and Hispanic students, there was no significant difference in scores
of males and females.
The Wiesen Test of Mechanical
Aptitude has 60 questions in a multiple-choice format. Each question uses a
diagram with everyday objects to illustrate a mechanical principle or fact. It
has been found to be highly correlated with other measures of mechanical
aptitude.
Test scores were significantly
related to performance as rated by supervisors of 102 employed machine
operators. The mean was 63% and standard deviation was 13.88. Test scores were
also significantly correlated with performance ratings of 169 employed
chemical operators.
Administration manuals generally include
information about administering the test, scoring the test, and interpreting the
scores. They do not include a sample copy of the test or an answer key.
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