The SRA^® Test of Mechanical Concepts is a test of basic mechanical ability.  It is designed to measure an individual’s ability to visualise and understand basic mechanical and spatial interrelationships.  It is also a measure of an individual’s knowledge of common mechanical tools and devices.

Forms A and B of the SRA Test of Mechanical Concepts are designed for use in a variety of industrial and educational settings.  The test is appropriate for evaluating individuals for hire, promotion, or training for such jobs as assembler, maintenance mechanic, machinist, factory production worker, and for any other job that require the ability to understand mechanical concepts.

The SRA Test of Mechanical Concepts may also be used to test individuals at all educational levels from junior high school through college.  It is a useful test for the vocational counsellor who is interested in measuring individual differences in mechanical aptitudes.

Descriptions

Forms A and B of the SRA Test of Mechanical Concepts are untimed equivalent form tests consisting of three subtest, each of which measures a separate skill of ability necessary for performance in those jobs requiring mechanical ability.

Mechanical interrelations: The purpose of this subtest is to measure an individual’s ability to understand mechanical and spatial relationships.  The subtest consists of twenty-four drawings that depict mechanical movements and interrelationships.  The examinee responds to questions related to the drawings by marking one of up to five alternatives.  In order to answer these items successfully, an individual must understand basic mechanical concepts.

Mechanical Tools and Devices: The purpose of this subtest is to measure an individual’s knowledge of common mechanical tools and devices.  The subtest contains thirty items, with five alternative answers, that refer to an accompanying drawing of a mechanical tool or device.  The examinee must either identify the name of the tool or device or identify what it is used for.  One of the alternatives is clearly the correct answer.  The other four alternatives will seem plausible to an individual who has only limited knowledge of the mechanical tools.

Spatial Relations: This subtest is designed to measure an individual’s ability to visualise manipulate objects in space.  The examinee is presented with four key geometric figures.  Each of the twenty-four items consists of one of the key figures cut up into two- of three-pieces segments.  The individual must identify which of the key figures is represented by the cut-up figure.

SCORES

Scores on all subtests of both Form A and Form B can be converted into a percentile rank. A percentile rank is a valuable piece of information since it allows you to compare an individual’s test score to the test scores of others in a larger, well-defined group.

The percentile scores give the ranking of the applicant relative to other applicants. For instance, if someone has a percentile rank of 45, it means that the applicant has obtained a score that is better than the scores obtained by 45% of the applicants who completed the assessment.

N.B. The Test Score is the total number of questions answered correctly. The Percentile Score indicates the percentage of the American normative population above which the candidate’s Test Score ranks.

Jamaican percentiles were developed from the scores of 995 persons working in the Bauxite Industry.

Procedure:

• The assessment may be individually or group administered.
• Although not a timed assessment, the Test of Mechanical Concept is usually completed within 30 to 40 minutes.
•  If required, a spreadsheet comparing the scores of those assessed may also be provided.