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Object Oriented Programmer Analyst Aptitude Test
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Author:
Bruce A. Winrow |
|
Date
introduced: 1994 revised 2001 |
|
Administration
time: 1 hour and 45 minutes |
Purpose
This
test is for both entry-level and experienced candidates. It evaluates
the person's aptitude and potential for programming and analyzing
problems in an object-oriented environment. The test assumes no prior
experience or knowledge of programming or object-oriented techniques.
General
Description
This
test consists of six problems that evaluate logic ability, skill in
interpretation of complicated specifications (analysis), abstract and
analytical reasoning, and potential for translating business problems
into symbolic logic in an object-oriented environment.
Positions
for which the test is appropriate
| Entry-level
candidates into an object-oriented programming environment (no prior
experience or education, such as computer trainees)
|
| Computer
Science graduate |
| Experienced
programmer analysts wishing to migrate from "traditional"
procedural language programming into object-oriented systems development. |
Job
criteria measured
|
Ability
to think logically. |
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Ability
to follow procedural logic. |
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Ability
to accurately solve problems. |
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Ability
to reason with symbols according to stated definitions. |
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Attention
to detail. |
|
Ability
to modify the properties of objects by using associated methods. |
|
Ability
to comprehend how data can be packaged together with its corresponding
procedures. |
|
Ability
to perform basic arithmetic calculations. |
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Ability
to analyze data contained in charts and tables. |
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Ability
to understand how "objects" communicate with one another through
messages. |
|
Ability
to follow instructions precisely. |
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Ability
to understand complex relationships. |
|
Ability
to apply the concept of "inheritance". |
|
Ability
to analyze a problem not solvable by trial and error alone. |
|
Ability
to handle new problems. |
|
Ability
to identify reusable classes and use those classes to solve multiple
problems. |
|
Ability
to comprehend/learn new concepts such as "class",
"instance", and "class hierarchy". |
|
Ability
to work independently under pressure. |
|
Ability
to comprehend written material. |
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Ability
to interpret intricate specifications.
|
Test
administration
The
total test requires 1 hour 45 minutes to complete. It is completely
self-instructive for the candidate, and effectively measures programmer
analyst potential in an object-oriented environment.
Sample
question (segment)
The
starting word is CATS and the final word to be created is ACTOR. The following
method cards have been dealt to you:
AddAtEnd, PutInAlpha, ChangeALetter, MoveALetter
Method cards may only be used once per card dealt and all method cards must be
used. Write down the instructions necessary to produce the transformation from
the starting word to the final word. Place each instruction, in its proper
order, on a separate line below, ensuring that the last instruction is the only
one that results in a five-character word. As well, MoveALetter and
ChangeALetter method cards must be used in reverse alphabetic order according to
the first character on the method card.
1. __________________
2. __________________
3. __________________
4. __________________
The
above sample would only be solvable with the additional information that is
provided in the test.
Sample Candidate Evaluation Report
Click here to view a sample detailed evaluation report.
Evaluation
The overall rating
is based on scores according to the following table:
| Score |
Overall
Rating |
Recommendation |
| 85-100% |
Above
Average |
We strongly
recommend this individual as having the potential for a successful career as an
object-oriented programmer analyst. |
| 74-84% |
Average |
We recommend this
individual for a career as an object-oriented programmer analyst provided further training
is supplied. |
| 65-73% |
Satisfactory |
We recommend this
individual for a career as an object-oriented programmer analyst only if highly motivated,
and if an intensive, well supervised training course is available. |
| 0-64% |
Below
Average |
We DO NOT recommend
this individual for a career as an object-oriented programmer analyst. |
Validation Information
January,
1997: The Programmer Analyst must accomplish fourteen tasks to
successfully perform his/her job responsibilities. Within the scope of testing,
a total of 64 traits were judged to be essential to accomplishing these tasks.
Of these 64 traits, 36 are assessed by one or more questions in the
Object-Oriented Programmer Analyst Staff Selector. Thus, a significant portion
(56.3%) of the intended domain is assessed by the Object-Oriented Programmer
Analyst Staff Selector. As well, if the relative importance of the essential
traits tested, to the ''weighted'' importance of the task, is considered - the
overlap percentage improves to 71.9% for the Programmer Analyst.
Languages
published
| English |
| French |
|
