PYC4807
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 25 SEPT 2025
,PYC4807
Assignment 3 2025 Portfolio
Due date: 25 September 2025
Question 1 (3 marks)
a) Identify the context you selected. (1)
I chose the organisational context, where people are tested when they apply for a job.
b) Briefly describe the real-life situation you explored (2)
When I applied for a part‑time clerical job at a small insurance office (I’ll call it “Sunrise
Insurance”), I was asked to do two tests on a computer in the manager’s office. First, I
completed a cognitive ability test (the Clerical Test Battery) with questions on numbers and
words, and I had 12 minutes to finish. Then I filled in a personality questionnaire (a short version
of the 16 Personality Factor test) that asked how I usually feel or behave at work. The HR officer
told me why they used these tests, asked my permission to share my results only with the hiring
team, and said they would keep my answers private. After the tests, I spoke with the HR officer
about my strengths and areas to improve. This process showed me how organisations use tests
to see if someone’s skills and personality fit a job.
Question 2
, a) Sources consulted for information on psychological assessment in organisational
contexts
1. Foxcroft, C. & de Kock, F. (2021). Introduction to Psychological Assessment in the
South African Context (6th ed.). Oxford University Press. – I used Chapters 1 and 4 for an
overview of tests, testing terminology, and the shift to computer‑based assessment in
organisations (Foxcroft & de Kock, 2021).
2. August, E. & Mashegoane, S. (2021). “Tele‑assessment in Africa: Benefits, challenges and
social justice issues.” South African Journal of Psychology, 51(2), 123– 135. – I consulted this
article to understand ethical and access issues when assessment moves online (August
& Mashegoane, 2021).
b) Other sources of information
Personal observation
I sat in on the testing session at “Sunrise Insurance” and noted the manager’s instructions,
timing, and environment (Personal observation, 14 July 2025).
Interview with HR officer
I conducted a semi‑structured interview (via Zoom) with the HR officer who administered the
tests. She explained why they chose the Clerical Test Battery and the brief 16PF, how they
interpret scores, and how they ensure confidentiality (Personal communication, 15 July 2025).
ASSIGNMENT 3
DUE DATE: 25 SEPT 2025
,PYC4807
Assignment 3 2025 Portfolio
Due date: 25 September 2025
Question 1 (3 marks)
a) Identify the context you selected. (1)
I chose the organisational context, where people are tested when they apply for a job.
b) Briefly describe the real-life situation you explored (2)
When I applied for a part‑time clerical job at a small insurance office (I’ll call it “Sunrise
Insurance”), I was asked to do two tests on a computer in the manager’s office. First, I
completed a cognitive ability test (the Clerical Test Battery) with questions on numbers and
words, and I had 12 minutes to finish. Then I filled in a personality questionnaire (a short version
of the 16 Personality Factor test) that asked how I usually feel or behave at work. The HR officer
told me why they used these tests, asked my permission to share my results only with the hiring
team, and said they would keep my answers private. After the tests, I spoke with the HR officer
about my strengths and areas to improve. This process showed me how organisations use tests
to see if someone’s skills and personality fit a job.
Question 2
, a) Sources consulted for information on psychological assessment in organisational
contexts
1. Foxcroft, C. & de Kock, F. (2021). Introduction to Psychological Assessment in the
South African Context (6th ed.). Oxford University Press. – I used Chapters 1 and 4 for an
overview of tests, testing terminology, and the shift to computer‑based assessment in
organisations (Foxcroft & de Kock, 2021).
2. August, E. & Mashegoane, S. (2021). “Tele‑assessment in Africa: Benefits, challenges and
social justice issues.” South African Journal of Psychology, 51(2), 123– 135. – I consulted this
article to understand ethical and access issues when assessment moves online (August
& Mashegoane, 2021).
b) Other sources of information
Personal observation
I sat in on the testing session at “Sunrise Insurance” and noted the manager’s instructions,
timing, and environment (Personal observation, 14 July 2025).
Interview with HR officer
I conducted a semi‑structured interview (via Zoom) with the HR officer who administered the
tests. She explained why they chose the Clerical Test Battery and the brief 16PF, how they
interpret scores, and how they ensure confidentiality (Personal communication, 15 July 2025).
