Comparing the DOT, O*NET and eDOT

#4: What Does the Collected Data Represent?

To defend a data source, you must be able to interpret it correctly.

O*NET instructions are NOT clear

It is not apparent what the data reported in O*NET actually represent.

Because O*NET's instructions are not clear, we don't know if job incumbents are providing:

• the average requirements (abilities, skills, etc.) for the individual survey respondent's own position
• the minimum level of those categories, for entry into the survey respondent's own position
• the average level for all incumbents of that occupation (all jobs in the economy) in the opinion of the survey respondent
• the minimum level for all incumbents, for entry into that occupation, in the opinion of the survey respondent
• some other requirement

eDOT consistency

eDOT (like the DOT before it) specifies the level selected should be "the level required for average successful performance."