PYC4807
Assignment 3
Unique No:185521
Due 25 September 2025
,PYC4807
ASSESSMENT 03
Portfolio assignment
Unique number 185521
Due date: 25 September 2025
Section 1 – Question 1
(a) Identify the context you selected (1 mark):
I selected the organisational context, specifically psychological assessment during job
recruitment and selection.
(b) Briefly describe the real-life situation you explored (2 marks):
A friend of mine recently applied for a position in a financial services company. As part
of the recruitment process, the candidates were required to complete a series of
psychological assessments, including aptitude, personality, and interest tests. These
assessments were administered by an industrial psychologist to evaluate whether the
applicants possessed the necessary competencies, such as analytical thinking,
conscientiousness, and interpersonal skills. The results were combined with interview
outcomes and reference checks to decide on the most suitable candidate for the role.
Question 2
(a) List the books, articles, webpages, etc. that you used to get information on
psychological assessment in this context. Provide sufficient identifying detail. (2 marks)
Foxcroft, C., & Roodt, G. (2023). Introduction to Psychological Assessment in the
South African Context (6th ed.). Cape Town: Oxford University Press.
Moerdyk, A. (2017). The Principles and Practice of Psychological Assessment.
Pretoria: Van Schaik Publishers.
, Van der Merwe, R. P. (2019). The use of psychometric testing in South African
organisations: Ethical and practical considerations. South African Journal of
Industrial Psychology, 45(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v45i0.1613
(b) Describe other sources of information (e.g., observation, interviews with
professionals). Be specific, but do not use identifying information. (2 marks)
Apart from the literature, I also drew on personal conversations with a friend who had
undergone psychological assessments during her job application at a financial services
company. She described her experience of completing aptitude and personality tests
before being interviewed by the industrial psychologist. Additionally, I observed a
recruitment setting at a career fair where company representatives explained how
psychological testing is used to shortlist candidates for high-responsibility positions.
Question 3
(a) Who was tested and what was the reason for testing in this situation? (2 marks)
The job applicants for an accountant position at a financial services company were
tested. The main reason for testing was to evaluate whether candidates had the
required cognitive ability, personality traits, and interests that matched the competency
requirements of the role.
(b) Who administered the test/s and are they qualified to do so? Justify your answer. (2
marks)
The tests were administered by an industrial psychologist employed in the Human
Resources department. Industrial psychologists are trained professionals registered
with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), which legally qualifies
them to administer, interpret, and provide feedback on psychological assessments.
(c) How and to whom was feedback given? (2 marks)
Feedback was provided individually to the applicants. The industrial psychologist shared
the test results confidentially with each candidate, highlighting areas of strength and
development. Additionally, a summary of the results was shared with the HR manager
Assignment 3
Unique No:185521
Due 25 September 2025
,PYC4807
ASSESSMENT 03
Portfolio assignment
Unique number 185521
Due date: 25 September 2025
Section 1 – Question 1
(a) Identify the context you selected (1 mark):
I selected the organisational context, specifically psychological assessment during job
recruitment and selection.
(b) Briefly describe the real-life situation you explored (2 marks):
A friend of mine recently applied for a position in a financial services company. As part
of the recruitment process, the candidates were required to complete a series of
psychological assessments, including aptitude, personality, and interest tests. These
assessments were administered by an industrial psychologist to evaluate whether the
applicants possessed the necessary competencies, such as analytical thinking,
conscientiousness, and interpersonal skills. The results were combined with interview
outcomes and reference checks to decide on the most suitable candidate for the role.
Question 2
(a) List the books, articles, webpages, etc. that you used to get information on
psychological assessment in this context. Provide sufficient identifying detail. (2 marks)
Foxcroft, C., & Roodt, G. (2023). Introduction to Psychological Assessment in the
South African Context (6th ed.). Cape Town: Oxford University Press.
Moerdyk, A. (2017). The Principles and Practice of Psychological Assessment.
Pretoria: Van Schaik Publishers.
, Van der Merwe, R. P. (2019). The use of psychometric testing in South African
organisations: Ethical and practical considerations. South African Journal of
Industrial Psychology, 45(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajip.v45i0.1613
(b) Describe other sources of information (e.g., observation, interviews with
professionals). Be specific, but do not use identifying information. (2 marks)
Apart from the literature, I also drew on personal conversations with a friend who had
undergone psychological assessments during her job application at a financial services
company. She described her experience of completing aptitude and personality tests
before being interviewed by the industrial psychologist. Additionally, I observed a
recruitment setting at a career fair where company representatives explained how
psychological testing is used to shortlist candidates for high-responsibility positions.
Question 3
(a) Who was tested and what was the reason for testing in this situation? (2 marks)
The job applicants for an accountant position at a financial services company were
tested. The main reason for testing was to evaluate whether candidates had the
required cognitive ability, personality traits, and interests that matched the competency
requirements of the role.
(b) Who administered the test/s and are they qualified to do so? Justify your answer. (2
marks)
The tests were administered by an industrial psychologist employed in the Human
Resources department. Industrial psychologists are trained professionals registered
with the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), which legally qualifies
them to administer, interpret, and provide feedback on psychological assessments.
(c) How and to whom was feedback given? (2 marks)
Feedback was provided individually to the applicants. The industrial psychologist shared
the test results confidentially with each candidate, highlighting areas of strength and
development. Additionally, a summary of the results was shared with the HR manager
