Deck 6: Employee Testing and Selection

Question 1

Which of the following measures reliability by administering two different yet comparable tests and then comparing the two test scores?

A) retest estimate
B) equivalent form estimate
C) internal consistency assessment
D) internal comparison estimate
E) criterion validity measurement

Answer 1

B

Question 2

A reliable employment test will most likely yield ________.

A) consistent scores when a person takes two alternate forms of the test
B) improved scores when a person takes the same test more than once in a single day
C) high scores when a person takes two alternate forms of the test on different occasions
D) similar scores when two different people are administered the test at different times
E) similar scores when two different people are administered the test at the same time

Answer 2

A

Question 3

Firms should most likely use certified psychologists when developing and validating selection tests in order to ________.

A) protect the confidentiality of the firm
B) demonstrate familiarity with privacy laws
C) ensure compliance with EEO laws
D) persuade applicants of testing legitimacy
E) use scores for benchmarking purposes

Answer 3

C

Question 4

Which of the following terms refers to the accuracy with which a test fulfills the function for which it was designed?

A) reliability
B) relevancy
C) validity
D) expectancy
E) consistency

Question 5

________ validation is considered the most dependable method of validating an employment test.

A) Applicable
B) Subjective
C) Predictive
D) Concurrent
E) Statistical

Question 6

What is the primary disadvantage of using concurrent validation?

A) Current employees may not be representative of new applicants.
B) Current employees have not been employed for a significant time.
C) New applicants are recent college graduates with limited experience.
D) Limited correlation exists between high test scores and job performance.
E) Test batteries have not been administered by professional industrial psychologists.

Question 7

When repetitive questions appear on a questionnaire,which of the following is most likely being measured?

A) test validity
B) retest estimate
C) equivalent form
D) internal consistency
E) criterion validity

Question 8

Which of the following terms refers to the consistency of scores obtained by the same person when retested with alternate forms of the same test?

A) equivalency
B) reliability
C) expectancy
D) objectivity
E) validity

Question 9

The first step in the test validation process is ________.

A) creating a test battery
B) developing an expectancy chart
C) administering tests
D) analyzing the job
E) cross-validating

Question 10

________ is used as an estimate of reliability and involves administering a test with x number of items designed to assess a topic and then statistically analyzing the degree to which responses to the items vary together.

A) Retest estimate
B) Equivalent form estimate
C) Content validity estimate
D) Internal comparison estimate
E) Criterion validity estimate

Question 11

Demonstrating the content validity of a test can be accomplished by showing that ________.

A) tasks performed on the test are general enough to apply to any type of job
B) higher test scores are statistically equivalent to proven, long-term job success
C) conditions under which the test is administered resemble the work situation
D) scores on the test are both internally and externally reliable
E) administered tests provide equivalent questions and scenarios

Question 12

If a person scores a 70 on an intelligence test on one day and scores 110 when retested on another day,you might conclude that this test is ________.

A) valid
B) invalid
C) reliable
D) unreliable
E) consistent

Question 13

According to the American Psychological Association,all of the following are rights of test takers EXCEPT the right to expect ________.

A) confidentiality of test results
B) informed consent regarding the use of test results
C) scores to be interpreted by qualified individuals
D) tests to be the only selection tools for a job
E) fairness of the test for all who take it

Question 14

If a person scores a 78 on a test on one day and scores a 79 when retested on another day,you might conclude that this test is ________.

A) valid
B) invalid
C) reliable
D) unreliable
E) inconsistent

Question 15

Which of the following terms refers to hiring workers who have criminal backgrounds without proper safeguards?

A) employment malpractice
B) negligent hiring
C) unreliable testing
D) improper hiring
E) invalid screening

Question 16

Which of the following is a graph that shows the relationship between test scores and job performance for a group of people?

A) performance standard
B) job analysis chart
C) digital dashboard
D) competency model
E) expectancy chart

Question 17

Which of the following best describes how to use a retest estimate to assess reliability?

A) administer a test with content based on what a person actually needs to know to effectively perform the job in question
B) administer the same test to different people at two different points in time and compare their test scores at time 2 with the scores at time 1
C) administer different tests to a group of people and compare the range of collected test scores
D) administer the same test to a group of people and compare the range of collected test scores
E) administer the same test to the same people at two different points in time and compare their test scores at time 2 with their scores at time 1

Question 18

The unreliability of a test may be explained by all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) poor sampling of question material
B) lack of equivalence between tests
C) inconsistent testing conditions
D) failure to predict job performance
E) lack of internal consistency

Question 19

The process of cross-validating a test involves all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) using a new sample of employees
B) administering additional tests
C) assessing predictive validation
D) evaluating the relationship between scores and performance
E) developing and analyzing a scatter plot of scores versus performance

Question 20

All of the following are used for estimating reliability of a test EXCEPT ________.

A) internal consistency
B) retest estimate
C) internal comparison estimate
D) equivalent form estimate
E) content validity measurement

Question 21

________ represents a tendency to be sociable,assertive,and active.

A) Neuroticism
B) Extroversion
C) Conscientiousness
D) Agreeableness
E) Openness to experience

Question 22

Which of the following personality dimensions represents a tendency to exhibit poor emotional adjustment and experience negative effects such as anxiety,insecurity,and hostility?

A) neuroticism
B) extroversion
C) conscientiousness
D) agreeableness
E) openness to experience

Question 23

For over 40 years,Golden Creamery has been mixing up fresh,gourmet ice cream for customers.The company originated in Dallas and now boasts stores in 35 states.The business has primarily expanded by selling franchises to qualified candidates.Golden Creamery executives realize that the firm's success depends upon the success of each franchise.In the past,each individual franchise owner determined the best method for screening applicants.However,as the firm grows,Golden Creamery executives want to standardize the hiring process by requiring all franchisees to use the same preemployment tests. Which of the following,if true,supports the argument that Golden Creamery should require franchise owners to use the firm's preemployment tests?

A) Hourly employees at Golden Creamery stores typically remain with the company long enough to be promoted to management positions.
B) Golden Creamery franchise owners pay an initial franchise fee and receive a percentage of sales royalties in return.
C) Annual turnover rates for hourly employees of Golden Creamery stores are three times the rate of comparable businesses.
D) Individuals interested in working at a Golden Creamery store can complete online applications on the firm's Web site.
E) Golden Creamery uses a series of videos to train new hires as well as a mentoring program that has proven successful in the past.

Question 24

All of the following are most likely assessed on personality tests EXCEPT ________.

A) introversion
B) reasoning
C) sensitivity
D) motivation
E) emotional stability

Question 25

________ tests include assessments of general reasoning ability and of specific mental abilities like memory and inductive reasoning.

A) Motor ability
B) Personality
C) Achievement
D) Cognitive
E) Physical ability

Question 26

________ tests measure finger dexterity,manual dexterity,and reaction time.

A) Motor ability
B) Personality
C) Achievement
D) Cognitive
E) Interest

Question 27

All of the following are measured by aptitude tests EXCEPT ________.

A) deductive reasoning
B) verbal comprehension
C) numerical ability
D) temperament
E) memory

Question 28

As part of the selection process for a position at UPS,Jack has been asked to lift weights and jump rope.Which of the following is most likely being measured by UPS?

A) interpersonal skills
B) cognitive skills
C) physical abilities
D) achievements
E) interests

Question 29

The Big Five personality dimensions include all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) neuroticism
B) optimism
C) extroversion
D) conscientiousness
E) agreeableness

Question 30

According to experts,most people are hired for their qualifications and fired for their ________.

A) physical limitations
B) lack of aptitude
C) nonperformance
D) psychological issues
E) cognitive abilities

Question 31

Which personality characteristic is comprised of both achievement and dependability?

A) neuroticism
B) extroversion
C) conscientiousness
D) agreeableness
E) openness to experience

Question 32

House-Tree-Person and the Forer Structured Sentence Completion Test are examples of ________ tests.

A) achievement
B) intelligence
C) apperception
D) self-reported
E) projective

Question 33

Mike Simmons has recently applied for a position with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.Which personality trait most likely has the strongest correlation to Mike's success as a pharmaceutical sales representative?

A) neuroticism
B) extroversion
C) agreeableness
D) conscientiousness
E) openness to experience

Question 34

According to a survey conducted by the American Management Association,most employers who administer tests to applicants are measuring ________.

A) job skills
B) aptitudes
C) psychological behaviors
D) interpersonal behaviors
E) ethical opinions

Question 35

Which personality characteristic refers to the disposition to be imaginative,nonconforming,and unconventional?

A) agreeableness
B) extroversion
C) conscientiousness
D) neuroticism
E) openness to experience

Question 36

For over 40 years,Golden Creamery has been mixing up fresh,gourmet ice cream for customers.The company originated in Dallas and now boasts stores in 35 states.The business has primarily expanded by selling franchises to qualified candidates.Golden Creamery executives realize that the firm's success depends upon the success of each franchise.In the past,each individual franchise owner determined the best method for screening applicants.However,as the firm grows,Golden Creamery executives want to standardize the hiring process by requiring all franchisees to use the same preemployment tests.
Which of the following questions is most relevant to Golden Creamery's decision to implement preemployment testing for all franchises?

A) Should Golden Creamery use internal or external sources for job candidates?
B) How will Golden Creamery ensure the confidentiality of an applicant's test results?
C) How does testing correlate with Golden Creamery's mission and vision statements?
D) What is the best way for Golden Creamery to recruit both hourly and salaried employees?
E) What is the role of testing in Golden Creamery's strategic performance management system?

Question 37

For over 40 years,Golden Creamery has been mixing up fresh,gourmet ice cream for customers.The company originated in Dallas and now boasts stores in 35 states.The business has primarily expanded by selling franchises to qualified candidates.Golden Creamery executives realize that the firm's success depends upon the success of each franchise.In the past,each individual franchise owner determined the best method for screening applicants.However,as the firm grows,Golden Creamery executives want to standardize the hiring process by requiring all franchisees to use the same preemployment tests.
Which of the following supports the argument that Golden Creamery should use a certified psychologist to develop preemployment tests?

A) Golden Creamery needs to comply with all federal and state laws.
B) Golden Creamery competitors use psychologists for test development.
C) Golden Creamery strives to create a conscientious organizational culture.
D) Golden Creamery employees either work part-time or on flexible schedules.
E) Golden Creamery needs to ensure that tests are legally and ethically appropriate.

Question 38

All of the following are examples of self-reported personality tests EXCEPT ________.

A) Guilford-Zimmerman Survey
B) Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
C) Make a Picture Story
D) Wonderlic Personal Characteristics Inventory
E) Sales Achievement Predictor

Question 39

Tests that measure a range of abilities including memory,vocabulary,verbal fluency,and numerical ability are called ________.

A) standardized tests
B) intelligence tests
C) achievement tests
D) personality tests
E) comprehensive tests

Question 40

The tendency for one to be trusting,compliant,caring,and gentle is the personality dimension known as ________.

A) neuroticism
B) extroversion
C) conscientiousness
D) agreeableness
E) openness to experience

Question 41

Which of the following is the primary advantage of using management assessment centers in the selection process?

A) Development costs are very low.
B) Minimal time is required for test administration.
C) Test development responsibilities are shared by managers.
D) Industrial psychologists are involved in the testing process.
E) Peers are effectively able to predict the success of applicants.

Question 42

Employers most likely conduct background investigations and reference checks to verify a candidate's ________.

A) age
B) marital status
C) military service
D) ethnic background
E) disability history

Question 43

Carter Vacuums needs to hire 20 new employees to fill positions at its manufacturing facility.The HR department wants to minimize the costs related to screening applicants but also wants the assessment method to be highly valid to the specific jobs.Which of the following would be the best choice for Carter Vacuums?

A) structured interviews
B) personality tests
C) cognitive ability tests
D) assessment centers
E) work samples

Question 44

While some personality characteristics are associated with success in different types of jobs,which personality trait is most frequently associated with job performance in all jobs?

A) openness to experience
B) conscientiousness
C) extroversion
D) agreeableness
E) neuroticism

Question 45

Which of the following is the primary reason that firms conduct background investigations of job applicants?

A) adhere to legal hiring practices
B) improve pool of candidates
C) limit the number of applicants
D) uncover false information
E) report criminals to police

Question 46

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is a national restaurant chain with nearly 36,000 employee that began as a small restaurant in Seattle.Over the years,Red Robin has attempted to develop a reputation as a fun,family restaurant that offers both excellent food and service.Red Robin's core values -- honor,integrity,having fun,and continually seeking knowledge -- serve as the basis for all of the firm's decisions and are even embroidered on the sleeves of every employee's uniform.As Red Robin continues to expand,executives are considering adding tests to the screening process. Which of the following,if true,would best support the argument that Red Robin should use personality tests in the employee selection process?

A) Red Robin employees receive extensive training and are provided with opportunities to be promoted to management positions.
B) Red Robin encourages employees to participate in the firm's environmental stewardship program to show community support.
C) Red Robin seeks outgoing, motivated, and compassionate employees to enhance the experience of its customers.
D) Red Robin offers monetary incentives to managers who meet quarterly sales targets and exceed performance expectations.
E) Red Robin desires employees with extensive knowledge of the restaurant industry and at least two years of experience serving customers.

Question 47

Typical simulated exercises used in management assessment centers include all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) objective tests
B) leaderless group discussion
C) motor skills assessments
D) individual presentations
E) management games

Question 48

Blue Bay Hotels is in the process of modifying the assessment methods the company uses to hire new employees.In the past,the hotel chain has been accused by minority organizations of violating EEO laws in its hiring practices.Which of the following applicant assessment methods would most likely have the LEAST adverse impact on minorities?

A) aptitude tests
B) situational judgment tests
C) cognitive ability tests
D) work sampling technique
E) job knowledge tests

Question 49

Which of the following is used to measure job knowledge?

A) aptitude tests
B) interest inventories
C) achievement tests
D) work samples
E) projective tests

Question 50

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is a national restaurant chain with nearly 36,000 employee that began as a small restaurant in Seattle.Over the years,Red Robin has attempted to develop a reputation as a fun,family restaurant that offers both excellent food and service.Red Robin's core values -- honor,integrity,having fun,and continually seeking knowledge -- serve as the basis for all of the firm's decisions and are even embroidered on the sleeves of every employee's uniform.As Red Robin continues to expand,executives are considering adding tests to the screening process. Which of the following,if true,would undermine the argument that Red Robin should use achievement tests in the employee selection process?

A) Red Robin receives so many applications that it only considers individuals with previous job experience in the restaurant industry.
B) Red Robin provides a two-week training session to all new hires, which are frequently college students with little experience in the restaurant industry.
C) Red Robin expects applicants for management positions to understand current EEO laws and be aware of ADA requirements.
D) Red Robin requires applicants for cashier positions to take typing tests to assess their speed at the cash register.
E) Red Robin compares the interests of applicants with those of people already working in the restaurant industry as servers and bartenders.

Question 51

A manager who gives a former employee a bad reference may be accused of ________ if the information is both false and harmful.

A) discrimination
B) privacy invasion
C) adverse impact
D) arbitration
E) defamation

Question 52

An interest inventory compares an applicant's current interests with the interests of ________.

A) retired workers
B) younger individuals
C) other people in the same industry
D) other people in various occupations
E) managers and executives in the firm

Question 53

Which selection tool is considered the LEAST useful by most HR managers?

A) interview
B) reference letters
C) application form
D) academic record
E) psychological tests

Question 54

With the work sampling technique,applicants are ________.

A) asked to submit examples of projects they have completed for other employers
B) tested on their ability to perform several tasks crucial to performing the job of interest
C) tested on their ability to perform a range of tasks related to several positions in a firm
D) asked to respond to questions about how they would perform various tasks
E) given video-based situational interviews to assess their critical thinking skills

Question 55

Work sampling,miniature job training,and video-based tests are examples of ________.

A) management assessment centers
B) intelligence tests
C) personality tests
D) situational tests
E) interests inventories

Question 56

According to surveys of HR managers,which of the following is most frequently verified during an employment background investigation?

A) age
B) references
C) credit ratings
D) marital status
E) driving records

Question 57

Which of the following is an indirect method for predicting job performance during the selection process?

A) miniature job training and evaluation
B) video-based simulation technique
C) management assessment center
D) work sampling technique
E) intelligence tests

Question 58

Which of the following is the primary advantage of the work sampling technique?

A) applicants find it difficult to fake answers
B) uncovers information about an applicant's personality
C) compares an applicant's past job performance with future success
D) applicants can evaluate their own performance
E) fine motor skills are accurately assessed

Question 59

A(n)________ is a simulation in which candidates perform realistic tasks in hypothetical situations and are scored on their performance.

A) work sampling event
B) video-based situation
C) management assessment center
D) applicant personality test
E) miniature job evaluation

Question 60

Which of the following terms refers to training candidates to perform several of the job's tasks and then assessing the candidates' performance prior to hire?

A) achievement testing
B) video-based simulation
C) work sampling technique
D) management assessment center
E) miniature job training

Question 61

Which of the following methods for gathering background information about a job applicant is NOT recommended because of potential legal violations?

A) searching social networking sites for posted information about the applicant
B) using a database to access information about the applicant's credit history
C) asking former employers open-ended questions about the applicant
D) locating references other than the ones provided by the applicant
E) using a search engine to find information about the applicant

Question 62

Graphology,a tool for assessing basic personality traits,is also called ________.

A) astrology
B) numerology
C) reasoning analysis
D) handwriting analysis
E) polygraph output assessment

Question 63

In which of the following situations is it NOT legal to require an applicant to take a polygraph test as part of the selection process?

A) electrical engineer at the Department of Energy
B) accounting clerk at the Department of Justice
C) pharmacist's assistant at Walgreen's
D) security guard at Wells Fargo Bank
E) cashier at J.C. Penney's

Question 64

EEO laws require nondiscriminatory selection procedures for protected groups.

Question 65

E-Verify is used by employers to ________.

A) access an applicant's credit history
B) review an applicant's employment records
C) file an applicant's income tax information
D) determine if an applicant is eligible to work in the U.S.
E) report an applicant's work status to the U.S. government

Question 66

Which of the following is true regarding substance abuse screening?

A) according to federal law, all employers must test all employees for illegal drugs
B) some urine sample tests cannot distinguish between legal and illegal substances
C) hair follicle tests provide less detailed information than urine samples
D) urine and hair follicle tests usually provide contradictory information
E) most urine sample tests measure degree of impairment

Question 67

Applicant tracking systems are used by employers to ________.

A) develop work samples
B) implement EEO laws
C) develop specific job descriptions
D) verify a candidate's U.S. citizenship
E) screen and rank candidates based on skills

Question 68

Content validity is based on showing that the scores on the test are related to job performance.

Question 69

Test validity in employment testing is demonstrated through criterion validity and content validity.

Question 70

For an employer to administer a polygraph exam during an ongoing investigation of theft,an employer must do all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) demonstrate economic loss
B) prove that the accused had access to the property
C) document a reasonable suspicion prior to requesting a polygraph
D) explain the details of the investigation and the questions to be asked during the polygraph
E) subject all employees with access to the property in question to the same polygraph examination as the accused employee

Question 71

An internal comparison estimate measures a test's internal consistency.

Question 72

What type of screening is used to reduce absenteeism and establish a baseline for future insurance claims?

A) physical exams
B) personality tests
C) polygraph tests
D) substance abuse screening
E) fine motor skills assessments

Question 73

The validation of tests used as employment screening tools will most likely be conducted by the HR manager and line supervisor.

Question 74

There are five steps in the validation process beginning with analyzing the job and concluding with administering the test.

Question 75

Tests administered for hiring purposes should be both valid and reasonable if used by a firm that adheres to evidence-based human resources.

Question 76

According to state and federal laws,which of the following actions is NOT required of employers who check background information on applicants?

A) disclosing to the applicant that a credit report will be requested
B) certifying to the reporting agency of the employer's legal compliance
C) providing copies of reports to the applicant if adverse action is considered
D) providing a detailed rationale explaining the reason for any adverse action
E) providing an applicant with notice that an adverse action will occur

Question 77

Equivalent form estimates compare test scores from the same test administered at two points in time to determine test equivalence.

Question 78

A test battery is based on a combination of several tests that can then measure an array of predictors.

Question 79

A reliable test is one that yields consistent scores when a person takes two alternate forms of the test or when he or she takes the same test on two or more different occasions.

Question 80

What type of screening device is designed to measure attitudes regarding tolerance of others who steal and other forms of counterproductivity?

A) paper-and-pencil honesty tests
B) interest inventories
C) personality tests
D) graphology
E) handwriting analysis