Learning Objectives 6.1 Answer the question: Why is it important to test and select employees? 6.2 Explain what is meant by reliability and validity. 6.3 List and briefly describe the basic categories of selection tests, with examples. 6.4 Explain how to use two work simulations for selection. 6.5 Describe four ways to improve an employer’s background checking process.
Test Reliability • Reliability is a selection tool’s first requirement. It is defined as the consistency of scores obtained by the same person when retested with the identical tests or with alternate forms of the same test.
What Can Cause a Test to be Unreliable? • Physical conditions • Differences in the test taker • Differences in test administration • The questions may do a poor job of sampling the material
Test Validity • Validity is the accuracy with which a test (or selection tool) measures what it purports to measure or fulfills the function it was designed to fill.
Evidence-Based HR: How to Validate a Test (1 of 2) Step 1: Analyze The Job Step 2: Choose The Test Step 3: Administer The Test Step 4: Relate Your Test Scores and Criteria Step 5: Cross-Validate and Revalidate
Utility Analysis • Answering the question, “Does it pay to use the test?” requires utility analysis. • Shows the degree to which use of a selection measure improves the quality of individuals selected over what would have happened if the measure had not been used.
Validity Generalization • Validity generalization “refers to the degree to which evidence of a measure’s validity obtained in one situation can be generalized to another situation without further study.”
Work Samples and Simulations • With work samples, you present examinees with situations representative of the job for which they’re applying, and evaluate their responses. • Considered tests
Using Preemployment Information Services • Background checks can be outsourced to certain companies that provides such services. This way the employers don’t have to do the background checks on their own • The organization has to pay the company for their services
Steps for Making the Background Check More Valuable • Statement authorizing a background check • Phone references • Attentiveness to red flags • Compare the application to the resume • Ask open-ended questions • Ask references to suggest other references • Aim for “360” reference checking
Physical Exams • Physical exams – After the job offer has been extended • Reasons for Physical exams – To verify that the applicant meets the job’s physical requirements, – To discover any medical limitations you should consider in placement, – and to establish a baseline for future workers’ compensation claims. – Exams can also reduce absenteeism and accidents and detect communicable diseases.