[Date]
IOP3701
Assignment 2
Semester 2 2024
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
, IOP3701 Assignment 2 Semester 2 2024
The concept of unfair labour practice has been introduced into South Africa
through the Labour Relations Act and it is argued that certain psychometric testing
practices can be interpreted as falling under the definition of an unfair labour
practice. Empirical results are presented indicating that different ethnic groups
obtain significantly different mean ability test scores. A case study is cited to show
that this would result in an underprediction of performance on a criterion for the
lower scoring of two groups if test scores are regarded as comparable. It is argued
that any interpretation of psychometric data in South Africa that does not take into
account of possible differences between ethnic groups is likely to ignore a
significant moderator variable, given the history of ethnically based discriminatory
practices in this country. Arguments based on meta-analytical research in the USA,
to the effect that psychometric ability tests do not discriminate unfairly against
disadvantaged groups if the same tests and norms are used, should not be assumed
to hold in South Africa. Various conceptions of what constitutes fairness in
selection are considered, and it is concluded that there is a need for employers to
make explicit in their selection policies the trade-off between economic and social
costs of employment practices. Finally, some implications for users of
psychometric tests in industry are considered, to forewarn of likely developments
in this field.
1. Do you agree with the statement that “certain psychometric testing practices can
be interpreted as falling under the definition of an unfair labour practice”, and
why? (3)
IOP3701
Assignment 2
Semester 2 2024
QUESTIONS WITH COMPLETE ANSWERS
, IOP3701 Assignment 2 Semester 2 2024
The concept of unfair labour practice has been introduced into South Africa
through the Labour Relations Act and it is argued that certain psychometric testing
practices can be interpreted as falling under the definition of an unfair labour
practice. Empirical results are presented indicating that different ethnic groups
obtain significantly different mean ability test scores. A case study is cited to show
that this would result in an underprediction of performance on a criterion for the
lower scoring of two groups if test scores are regarded as comparable. It is argued
that any interpretation of psychometric data in South Africa that does not take into
account of possible differences between ethnic groups is likely to ignore a
significant moderator variable, given the history of ethnically based discriminatory
practices in this country. Arguments based on meta-analytical research in the USA,
to the effect that psychometric ability tests do not discriminate unfairly against
disadvantaged groups if the same tests and norms are used, should not be assumed
to hold in South Africa. Various conceptions of what constitutes fairness in
selection are considered, and it is concluded that there is a need for employers to
make explicit in their selection policies the trade-off between economic and social
costs of employment practices. Finally, some implications for users of
psychometric tests in industry are considered, to forewarn of likely developments
in this field.
1. Do you agree with the statement that “certain psychometric testing practices can
be interpreted as falling under the definition of an unfair labour practice”, and
why? (3)
