Oxford Capacity Analysis (OCA)

Overview

• Oxford Capacity Analysis (OCA), also known as the American Personality Analysis, is a list of questions advertised as a personality test.
• Administered for free by the Church of Scientology as a part of its recruitment process.
• Available online, at local Scientology sites, fairs, and public settings.
• Not related to the University of Oxford.

Purpose and Criticism

• Used worldwide by Scientology for recruitment.
• Criticized as not being scientifically recognized or genuine by psychology organizations.
• Considered manipulative and unethical by critics.

Test Structure

• Comprises 200 questions with 'yes', 'no', or 'maybe' responses.
• Examples of questions:
  • Do you browse through railway timetables just for pleasure?
  • Do you often sing or whistle just for the fun of it?
• Results plotted on a personality profile graph.
• Used in conjunction with "Novis Mental Ability Test" for IQ assessment.

Results Interpretation

• Results indicate personality characteristics and IQ.
• Scale ranges from +100 to -100.
• Traits marked as "Desirable State," "Normal," or "Unacceptable State".
• Scientology staff discuss results with individuals to emphasize the need for Scientology services.

Historical Background

• Originated from a 1951 idea by L. Ron Hubbard.
• Developed in mid-1950s by Julia Salman Lewis, later revised by Ray Kemp.
• Trademarked by the Church of Scientology and credited to Hubbard.

Use Within Scientology

• Used to monitor improvement in Scientologists' personalities.
• Integral to recruitment; used to encourage enrollment in Scientology courses.

Use Outside Scientology

• Licensed to Scientologist-owned companies for employee screening.
• Used by some doctors for patient evaluation, e.g., a celebrity plastic surgeon in LA.

Criticism and Controversy

• Questioned for lack of scientific basis and ethical concerns.
• British Psychological Society and numerous experts have denounced its validity.
• Criticized for harsh evaluations that damage self-esteem.
• Accusations of being misleading due to name association with Oxford.

Notable Investigations and Reports

• Reports from Victoria, Australia, and the British Psychological Society criticize test's scientific validity.
• The Church of Scientology has been unable to substantiate the test's validity.

Conclusion

• The OCA remains a controversial tool, primarily criticized for its lack of scientific credibility and manipulative use within Scientology.