PSY 255 Exam 2 study guide(Complete solutions)
What is the best predictor of future performance? correct answers Past performance
KSAOs correct answers Predictors of criteria.
Knowledge
Skill
Ability
Other characteristics (personality, interests, integrity...)
Test correct answers A standardized series of problems or questions that assess KSOAs
Speed tests correct answers Have strict time limits (eg. typing test, math test...)
Power tests correct answers Time is not a factor (eg. first exam for class)
Individual tests correct answers Require 1 on 1 test administration (eg. driving tests)
Group tests correct answers Can be taken by multiple people at once (eg. our first exam, SAT)
Paper and pencil tests correct answers Test takers respond to question on paper (or computer
screen) (eg. fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice)
Performance tests correct answers Involves manipulating an object/equipment to test applied
skills (eg. flight simulator, computer programming test)
Characteristics of good tests correct answers Validity (How well does test predict job
performance?)
Reliability (Is the test free from random error?)
Practicality (Benefits of testing exceed costs?)
Fairness (Will the test disadvantage anyone?)
Sensitivity (Does test effectively capture individual differences?)
Incremental validity correct answers The additional variance explained in an outcome by adding
a predictor
Assessment method with most predictive validity of job performance correct answers
Employment interviews - structured
Assessment method with least predictive validity of job performance correct answers Openness
to experience - overall
General Cognitive Ability Test correct answers -A common, relatively easy-to-administer
selection measure
-Important for most jobs, but is a stronger predictor of performance in more complex jobs
• Began with Army Alpha and Beta (Remember the WWI history)
, Issues with General Cognitive Ability Tests correct answers • Group differences in scores across
racial and socio-economic backgrounds
• Test scores related to years of formal schooling and test prep
Specific Cognitive Ability Tests correct answers • Tests specific abilities that are required on the
job (vs. general capacity to learn)
• More similar to job knowledge
• r = .30 to .40 with performance
• Examples:• Mechanical (Bennet Mechanical Test)
• Spatial (Space Relations Test)
• Clerical (Minnesota Clerical Test)
Psychomotor Ability Tests correct answers Assess speed and accuracy of motor and sensory
coordination
• Movement, vision, hearing, etc.• e.g., Purdue Pegboard
Personality correct answers patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are relatively stable
across time and situations
Big 5 personality traits (broad factors) correct answers • Neuroticism
• Extraversion
• Openness
• Agreeableness
• Conscientiousness
Personality facets correct answers narrower traits nested within Big 5
• e.g., achievement orientation, dependability, assertiveness
Conscientiousness correct answers The strongest predictor of job performance among Big 5
dependability and achievement orientation
"I can always be counted on to get the job done"
"I am persistent"
"I set high goals"
Extraversion correct answers enjoys being around others and having spotlight of attention
"Meeting new people is enjoyable to me"
"I am a 'take charge' type of person" (social dominance)
Agreeableness correct answers getting along with others
"I usually see the good side of people"
"I forgive others easily"
Emotional Stability (Neuroticism) correct answers "I can become annoyed at people quite easily"
"I worry a lot" (anxiety)
"I often feel blue" (depression)
What is the best predictor of future performance? correct answers Past performance
KSAOs correct answers Predictors of criteria.
Knowledge
Skill
Ability
Other characteristics (personality, interests, integrity...)
Test correct answers A standardized series of problems or questions that assess KSOAs
Speed tests correct answers Have strict time limits (eg. typing test, math test...)
Power tests correct answers Time is not a factor (eg. first exam for class)
Individual tests correct answers Require 1 on 1 test administration (eg. driving tests)
Group tests correct answers Can be taken by multiple people at once (eg. our first exam, SAT)
Paper and pencil tests correct answers Test takers respond to question on paper (or computer
screen) (eg. fill-in-the-blank, multiple choice)
Performance tests correct answers Involves manipulating an object/equipment to test applied
skills (eg. flight simulator, computer programming test)
Characteristics of good tests correct answers Validity (How well does test predict job
performance?)
Reliability (Is the test free from random error?)
Practicality (Benefits of testing exceed costs?)
Fairness (Will the test disadvantage anyone?)
Sensitivity (Does test effectively capture individual differences?)
Incremental validity correct answers The additional variance explained in an outcome by adding
a predictor
Assessment method with most predictive validity of job performance correct answers
Employment interviews - structured
Assessment method with least predictive validity of job performance correct answers Openness
to experience - overall
General Cognitive Ability Test correct answers -A common, relatively easy-to-administer
selection measure
-Important for most jobs, but is a stronger predictor of performance in more complex jobs
• Began with Army Alpha and Beta (Remember the WWI history)
, Issues with General Cognitive Ability Tests correct answers • Group differences in scores across
racial and socio-economic backgrounds
• Test scores related to years of formal schooling and test prep
Specific Cognitive Ability Tests correct answers • Tests specific abilities that are required on the
job (vs. general capacity to learn)
• More similar to job knowledge
• r = .30 to .40 with performance
• Examples:• Mechanical (Bennet Mechanical Test)
• Spatial (Space Relations Test)
• Clerical (Minnesota Clerical Test)
Psychomotor Ability Tests correct answers Assess speed and accuracy of motor and sensory
coordination
• Movement, vision, hearing, etc.• e.g., Purdue Pegboard
Personality correct answers patterns of thoughts, feelings, and behaviors that are relatively stable
across time and situations
Big 5 personality traits (broad factors) correct answers • Neuroticism
• Extraversion
• Openness
• Agreeableness
• Conscientiousness
Personality facets correct answers narrower traits nested within Big 5
• e.g., achievement orientation, dependability, assertiveness
Conscientiousness correct answers The strongest predictor of job performance among Big 5
dependability and achievement orientation
"I can always be counted on to get the job done"
"I am persistent"
"I set high goals"
Extraversion correct answers enjoys being around others and having spotlight of attention
"Meeting new people is enjoyable to me"
"I am a 'take charge' type of person" (social dominance)
Agreeableness correct answers getting along with others
"I usually see the good side of people"
"I forgive others easily"
Emotional Stability (Neuroticism) correct answers "I can become annoyed at people quite easily"
"I worry a lot" (anxiety)
"I often feel blue" (depression)
