Deck 15: Strategies for Selection Decision Making

Question 1

A simple selection decision involves several applicants with one position.

Answer 1

True

Question 2

A simple box-score tally of a decision maker's successes and failures can improve decision making over time.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

The biggest problem with top-down selection is that it will likely lead to adverse impact against legally protected racial/ethnic groups.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

A false positive error occurs when the applicant passes through all of the selection phases, is employed, but proves unsuccessful on the job.

Question 5

When using judgments from subject matter experts to develop cutoff scores a key concern for the courts is who served as an expert.

Question 6

Using other than top-down hiring based on applicants' ranked test scores has not been shown to lead to a loss of economic utility.

Question 7

In decision making, the term "judgmental" refers to whether the data were either collected or combined using human judgment.

Question 8

When using fixed bands all applicants within the top band must be selected before applicants in lower bands can be chosen.

Question 9

Selecting applicants within a band on the basis of random selection may be legal.

Question 10

In decision making, the term "mechanical" refers to whether the data were either collected or combined using human judgment.

Question 11

It is prudent to use the banding procedures to identify equally qualified candidates and then select on the basis of affirmative action criteria (e.g., race, sex, age, etc.).

Question 12

Bootstrapping is based on the assumption that people can make neither sound judgments nor articulate how they made those judgments.

Question 13

When bands are too wide, too many applicants are judged as equal with respect to their scores on selection procedures.

Question 14

False negative errors in selection are not a cause for concern.

Question 15

Managers often feel threatened when asked to use formulas for making selection decisions rather than their own judgment.

Question 16

While objective strategies are useful for selection decision making, subjective strategies will always be more accurate.

Question 17

A cutoff score represents a score on a predictor or combination of predictors below which applicants are rejected.

Question 18

With the multiple regression decision making strategy, it is impossible for applicants with different individual predictor scores to have identical overall predictor scores.

Question 19

A mechanical combination of data yields better results than a judgmental combination for making selection decisions.

Question 20

Using either the fixed or sliding band approach makes it possible to reduce adverse impact.

Question 21

Which selection decision making model is most appropriate to use when physical abilities are essential to job performance?

A)multiple regression
C)multiple hurdles
B)multiple cutoffs
D)multiple profiles

Question 22

Which of the following strategies for collecting and combining predictive information is weakest for making predictions?

A)statistical
C)mechanical composite
B)pure judgment
D)mechanical synthesis

Question 23

To remain a viable applicant, applicants must pass the predictors sequentially in which of the following selection strategies?

A)multiple cutoffs
B)multiple hurdles
C)multiple regression
D)multiple synthesis

Question 24

Which of the following is an advantage of the multiple regression selection decision making model?

A)It narrows the applicant pool to a smaller subset of qualified applicants quicker than other models.
B)It is less costly since the applicant pool gets smaller at each stage of analysis.
C)It is very flexible with respect to data type.
D)It is conceptually easier to explain to managers than the other models.

Question 25

A pure judgment strategy for collecting and combining predictive information is:

A)one in which judgmental predictor data are collected, but they are combined mechanically for selection decision making.
B)one in which predictor data are collected mechanically, but combined judgmentally for selection decision making.
C)one in which predictor data are both collected mechanically and combined mechanically for selection decision making.
D)one in which judgmental predictor data are collected and combined subjectively for selection decision making.

Question 26

A trait rating strategy for collecting and combining predictive information is:

A)one in which judgmental data are collected and then are combined mechanically.
B)one that first subjectively combines all information (both mechanical and judgmental) into a prediction about the applicant's likely success; this information is then mechanically combined with other information to create an overall score for the applicant.
C)one that collects both judgmental and mechanical data and combines them mechanically.
D)one in which data is collected mechanically and combined objectively.

Question 27

Which selection decision making model is most appropriate to use when there is a tradeoff among predictors that does not affect overall job performance and there is a large sample size?

A)multiple regression
C)multiple hurdle
B)multiple cutoffs
D)profile matching

Question 28

The mechanical synthesis method for collecting and combining predictive information is:

A)one that first combines subjectively all information (both mechanical and judgmental) into a prediction about the applicant's likely success; this information is then mechanically combined with other information to create an overall score for the applicant
B)one in which all information (both mechanical and judgmental data) is first mechanically combined into a prediction about the applicant's likely success; then this prediction is judged in the context of other information about the applicant
C)one in which judgmental data are collected, but they are combined mechanically
D)one in which both judgmental and mechanical data are collected but combined mechanically

Question 29

Which of the following is not a reason why a mechanical combination of data yield better results than a judgmental combination?

A)The accuracy of prediction may depend on the proper weighting of predictors.
B)Data on additional applicants are added to already available data, so more accurate statistical models can be created.
C)Decision makers relying on judgment can do better than a statistical model only if they are thorough, objective, and systematic in both collecting and combining the information.
D)Decision makers are more likely to add considerable error if they are allowed to combine judgmentally both subjective data along with objective data.

Question 30

Which of the following is a method in which data are both collected mechanically and combined mechanically?

A)mechanical composition method
B)profile interpretation method
C)pure statistical method
D)judgmental composite method

Question 31

In either a simple or a complex selection situation, information processing demands =

A)[number of applicants] X [amount of selection data collected]
B)[number of applicants] / [amount of selection data collected]
C)[number of applicants] + [amount of selection data collected]
D)[number of positions] X [number of applicants] X [amount of selection data collected]

Question 32

A profile interpretation strategy for collecting and combining predictive information is:

A)one in which all information (both mechanical and judgmental data) is first mechanically combined into a prediction about the applicant's likely success; then this prediction is judged in the context of other information about the applicant
B)one in which data are collected mechanically but combined judgmentally
C)one in which judgmental data are collected, but they are combined mechanically
D)one in which data are both collected mechanically and combined mechanically

Question 33

Which of the following may result from a false negative error?

A)It may be difficult to terminate the employee hired.
B)The employee hired may create safety and productivity problems.
C)The employee hired may cause a blockage in the organization's career path, causing other employees to voluntarily leave the organization.
D)An applicant who would have been successful on the job is rejected.

Question 34

A double stage strategy is a variant of which of the selection decision making models?

A)multiple regression
C)multiple hurdle
B)multiple cutoffs
D)profile matching

Question 35

Which of the following is an assumption of the multiple regression selection decision making model?

A)Predictors are not additive or compensatory.
B)The composite profile of successful employees is different from the composite profile of unsuccessful employees.
C)A minimum amount of each KSA is necessary for successful job performance.
D)The predictors are linearly related to the criterion.

Question 36

Which of the following is an advantage of the multiple cutoffs selection decision making model?

A)It narrows applicant pool to a smaller subset of qualified applicants
B)It is less costly since applicant pool gets smaller at each stage
C)It combines predictors optimally
D)It minimizes error in prediction

Question 37

The judgmental composite strategy for collecting and combining predictive information is:

A)one in which data are collected mechanically but combined judgmentally
B)one in which all information (both mechanical and judgmental data) is first mechanically combined into a prediction about the applicant's likely success; then this prediction is judged in the context of other information about the applicant
C)one that collects both judgmental and mechanical data and then combines them mechanically
D)one in which judgmental data are collected, but they are combined mechanically

Question 38

Which of the following is an assumption of the multiple cutoffs selection decision making model?

A)Predictors are linearly related to the criterion.
B)The composite profile of successful employees is different from the composite profile of unsuccessful employees.
C)A minimum amount of each predictor attribute is necessary for successful job performance.
D)Predictors are additive and can compensate for one another.

Question 39

The mechanical composite strategy for collecting and combining predictive information is:

A)one in which all information (both mechanical and judgmental data) is first mechanically combined into a prediction about the applicant's likely success; then this prediction is judged in the context of other information about the applicant.
B)one in which data are collected mechanically but combined judgmentally.
C)one in which data are both collected mechanically and combined mechanically.
D)one that collects both judgmental and mechanical data and then combines them mechanically.

Question 40

Which of the following is a method in which both judgmental and mechanical data are collected and then combined judgmentally?

A)mechanical composition method
B)profile interpretation method
C)pure statistical method
D)judgmental composite method

Question 41

Use of minimum cutoff scores rather than top-down selection may result in:

A)less workforce diversity.
B)fewer qualified applicants.
C)lower job performance.
D)lower labor costs.

Question 42

Which of the following selection methods recognizes that selection decision making is a sequential process?

A)fixed bands
C)synthetic bands
B)sliding bands
D)big bands

Question 43

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate method for collecting and combining predictor information.
a.Pure judgment
e.Judgmental composite
b.Trait rating method
f.Mechanical composite
c.Profile interpretation
g.Judgmental synthesis
d.Pure statistical
h.
Mechanical collation
Test information and interview information are collected on auto mechanic applicants.The selection manager looks at the information and makes an overall judgment of whether or not to employ the applicant.

Question 44

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate method for collecting and combining predictor information.
a.Pure judgment
e.Judgmental composite
b.Trait rating method
f.Mechanical composite
c.Profile interpretation
g.Judgmental synthesis
d.Pure statistical
h.
Mechanical collation
Applicants for a sales representative job are assessed in several interviews.These ratings are entered into a formula and an overall score is computed across interviews.

Question 45

The multiple hurdle approach is less costly than the multiple cutoff approach because:

A)rejected applicants rarely challenge decisions.
B)the applicant pool never gets interviewed.
C)the applicant pool becomes smaller at each stage of the selection process.
D)the applicant pool becomes shallower at each stage of the selection process.

Question 46

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate method for collecting and combining predictor information.
a.Pure judgment
e.Judgmental composite
b.Trait rating method
f.Mechanical composite
c.Profile interpretation
g.Judgmental synthesis
d.Pure statistical
h.
Mechanical collation
A receptionist is selected based on a judgment of performance in the interview.No ratings are made.

Question 47

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate method for collecting and combining predictor information.
a.Pure judgment
e.Judgmental composite
b.Trait rating method
f.Mechanical composite
c.Profile interpretation
g.Judgmental synthesis
d.Pure statistical
h.
Mechanical collation
Test scores and interview information are reviewed by a work team.Members of the work team make their individual predictions of the likely success of each applicant.These predictions are then entered with other information into a formula to predict the applicant's likely success on the job.

Question 48

A major disadvantage of the combination selection decision making method is that it is:

A)less accurate than the multiple cutoff method.
B)limiting because one predictor attribute cannot compensate for another.
C)more costly than the multiple hurdle approach.
D)less reliable than other methods.

Question 49

Which of the following methods for establishing cutoff scores uses a judgment of the test takers rather than the items as the basis for determining cutoff scores?

A)Ebel method
C)Angoff method
B)modified Ebel method
D)contrasting groups method

Question 50

The combination method of selection decision making combines which of the following methods?

A)multiple cutoff; multiple regression
C)multiple regression; profile matching
B)multiple cutoff; profile matching
D)multiple cutoff; multiple hurdles

Question 51

Which of the following methods for establishing cutoff scores uses judgments of the difficulty of test/predictor items?

A)Thorndike's predicted yield method
C)Ebel method
B)expectancy chart method
D)contrasting groups method

Question 52

Suppose you need 20 machinists and you expect 200 people to apply for the job.Using Thorndike's predicted yield method for establishing cutoff scores, the ____ percentile would be the appropriate cutoff score

A)90th
C)20th
B)10th
D)80th

Question 53

Ranking applicants by their selection scores assumes that a person with a higher score will:

A)perform better on the job than a person with a lower score.
B)unconditionally accept the job if it is offered.
C)expect to be paid more than applicants with a lower score.
D)perform as well as someone already in the position.

Question 54

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate method for collecting and combining predictor information.
a.Pure judgment
e.Judgmental composite
b.Trait rating method
f.Mechanical composite
c.Profile interpretation
g.Judgmental synthesis
d.Pure statistical
h.
Mechanical collation
A manager of a telemarketing firm selects telephone operators based on scores on three tests.The test data are combined by the manager who looks over the three test scores and forms an overall impression of whether the applicants would make successful operators.

Question 55

Which of the following statistical methods can be used to establish "bands"?

A)standard error of estimate method; standard error of measurement method
B)standard error of differences method; standard error of estimate method
C)standard error of measurement method; standard error of differences method
D)standard error of determination method; standard error of measurement method

Question 56

Once bands have been created, which of the following selection specifications to choose individuals within the same band is NOT appropriate?

A)interpersonal skills
B)job experience
C)work habits
D)race

Question 57

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate method for collecting and combining predictor information.
a.Pure judgment
e.Judgmental composite
b.Trait rating method
f.Mechanical composite
c.Profile interpretation
g.Judgmental synthesis
d.Pure statistical
h.
Mechanical collation
Assessment centers used for managerial promotion decisions

Question 58

Which selection decision making method is most appropriate to use when the assumption of multiple cutoffs is reasonable and more of one predictor attribute can compensate for another above the minimum cutoffs?

A)multiple regression
C)multiple hurdle
B)multiple cutoffs
D)combination

Question 59

Cutoff scores can be set by all of the following except:

A)contrasting the distributions of successful and unsuccessful job incumbents.
B)using experts' judgments.
C)multiple regression.
D)race norming.

Question 60

Which selection decision making model is most appropriate to use when subsequent training is long, complex, and expensive?

A)multiple regression
C)multiple hurdle
B)multiple cutoffs
D)profile matching

Question 61

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
A hybrid of multiple cutoff and multiple regression approaches

Question 62

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Only identifies those applicants minimally qualified for the job

Question 63

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Most appropriate when tradeoffs among predictors do not affect overall job performance

Question 64

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Uses a d² statistic

Question 65

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Applicants with different individual predictor scores can have identical overall predicted job success.

Question 66

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Appropriate when there is a clearly best type of employee for the job

Question 67

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Most useful when physical abilities are essential for job performance

Question 68

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Assumes predictors are additive

Question 69

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate method for collecting and combining predictor information.
a.Pure judgment
e.Judgmental composite
b.Trait rating method
f.Mechanical composite
c.Profile interpretation
g.Judgmental synthesis
d.Pure statistical
h.
Mechanical collation
Engineering applicants are scored on the basis of tests and biographical data.A formula is used to compute an overall score.A panel of interviewers discusses the applicants' characteristics and makes its decisions about who to hire based on both their predicted success (from the formula) along with judgments of the interviewers on how well the applicants will fit in the organization.

Question 70

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
When relatively small samples are used to determine weights, the weights may not be stable from one sample to the next

Question 71

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Assumes predictors are linearly related to criterion

Question 72

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Predictors are not additive

Question 73

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
A "double-stage strategy" is a variation of this approach

Question 74

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate method for collecting and combining predictor information.
a.Pure judgment
e.Judgmental composite
b.Trait rating method
f.Mechanical composite
c.Profile interpretation
g.Judgmental synthesis
d.Pure statistical
h.
Mechanical collation
An applicant applies for an administrative assistant job by responding to application and test questions via a computer terminal.The data collected are then combined by a formula calculated on a computer.The selection supervisor receives a printout that lists applicants in the order of their overall combined scores.

Question 75

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
A nonsequential procedure

Question 76

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Is appropriate when the applicant pool is large and when some of the selection procedures are expensive to administer

Question 77

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Most appropriate in situations where subsequent training is long, complex, and expensive.

Question 78

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
Sometimes referred to as a compensatory method

Question 79

Match each of the following statements with the appropriate selection decision making strategy.
a.Multiple regression
d.Combination method
b.Multiple cutoffs
e.profile matching
c.Multiple hurdle
A sequential procedure