Compilation of Notes and references.

Pulakos, Elaine (2005) Selection Assessment Methods: A guide to implementing

formal assessments to build a high-quality workforce SHRM Foundation, 1800 Duke
Street, Alexandria, VA 22314.
Page 1

Common Misconceptions About Selection Tests

Myth: Screening applicants for conscientiousness will yield better performers
than
screening applicants for intelligence.
_ Myth: Screening applicants for their values will yield better performers than
screening applicants for intelligence.
_ Myth: Integrity tests are not useful because job candidates misrepresent
themselves on these types of tests.
_ Myth: Unstructured interviews with candidates provide better information than
structured assessment processes.
_ Myth: Using selection tests creates legal problems for organizations rather than
helps solve them.
_

Rynes, S. L., Colbert, A. E., & Brown, K. G. (2002). HR professionals beliefs about effective human
resources practices:
Correspondence between research and practice. Human Resource Management, 41, 149-174.

Commercially Available Versus Custom-Developed

Assessments
Commercial Advantages
_ Test content already available, so
implementation is fast.
_ Most have data on validity and group
differences, often from similar jobs.
_ Tests are usually upgraded, maintained
and continually evaluated over time by
the test developer.
Commercial Disadvantages
_ Licensing fees to use off-the-shelf tests
over time are expensive and can be
prohibitive for some organizations.
_ The tests are used in many situations,
raising possible test security and
competitive advantage concerns.
Custom-Developed Advantages
_ Once initial test development costs are
incurred, the organization pays no
ongoing licensing or usage fees.
_ Test content can be fully customized to
the organizations jobs and strategy,
maximizing relevance and potential
competitive advantage.
Custom-Developed Disadvantages
_ Proper assessment development and
validation takes time.
_ Organization will need to be responsible
for upgrades, maintenance and ongoing

evaluation.