Deck 6: Employee Testing and Selection

Question 1

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)validity

Answer 1

B
Explanation: B) Reliability is a test's first requirement and refers to its consistency: 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 2

The first step in the test validation process is ________.

A)creating a test battery
B)administering tests
C)analyzing the job
D)cross-validating

Answer 2

C
Explanation: C) The first step in validating a test is to analyze the job and write job descriptions and job specifications.The point is to specify the human traits and skills you believe are required for adequate job performance.Choosing tests and perhaps creating a test battery are part of the second step,which is followed by test administration.Relating test scores and criteria with an expectancy chart is the next step.Cross-validating is the final step in the process.

Question 3

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

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

Answer 3

C
Explanation: C) 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.Scores of 78 and 79 on the same test suggest that the test is reliable because it is measuring with consistency.

Question 4

Demonstrating the content validity of a test can be best 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

Question 5

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

A)test-retest estimate
B)internal comparison estimate
C)equivalent form estimate
D)content validity measurement

Question 6

What is the primary disadvantage of using concurrent validation?

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

Question 7

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

Question 8

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)evaluating the relationship between scores and performance
D)developing and analyzing a scatter plot of scores versus performance

Question 9

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 the same people at two different points in time and compare their test scores at time 2 with their scores at time 1

Question 10

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

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

Question 11

The unreliability of a test is best 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

Question 12

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

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

Question 13

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

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

Question 14

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

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

Question 15

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 comparison estimate
D)criterion validity measurement

Question 16

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

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

Question 17

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

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

Question 18

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

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

Question 19

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)digital dashboard
C)competency model
D)expectancy chart

Question 20

________ 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

Question 21

________ 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

Question 22

Mike Simmons 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)extraversion
B)agreeableness
C)conscientiousness
D)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 best 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 needs to ensure that tests are legally and ethically appropriate.

Question 24

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

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

Question 25

Carl recently participated in a selection test for a position at Northern Aeronautics.The test measured Carl's finger dexterity and reaction time,so it was most likely a ________ test.

A)motor ability
B)personality
C)cognitive
D)interest

Question 26

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.

Question 27

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

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

Question 28

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

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

Question 29

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

Question 30

Grafton Industries administers selection tests to job candidates.The tests measure a range of abilities including memory,vocabulary,verbal fluency,and numerical ability,so they are most likely ________ tests.

A)standardized
B)intelligence
C)achievement
D)personality

Question 31

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

A)neuroticism
B)optimism
C)extraversion
D)conscientiousness

Question 32

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

A)Extraversion
B)Conscientiousness
C)Agreeableness
D)Openness to experience

Question 33

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)openness to experience

Question 34

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

Question 35

Make a Picture Story and the Forer Structured Sentence Completion Test are examples of ________ tests.

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

Question 36

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

Question 37

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

A)Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory
B)Guilford-Zimmerman Survey
C)Make a Picture Story
D)Myers Briggs Test

Question 38

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

A)deductive reasoning
B)numerical ability
C)temperament
D)memory

Question 39

Which personality characteristic is comprised of both achievement and dependability?

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

Question 40

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 role of testing in Golden Creamery's strategic performance management system?

Question 41

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)work sampling technique
C)management assessment center
D)miniature job training

Question 42

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

A)objective tests
B)leaderless group discussions
C)motor skills assessments
D)individual presentations

Question 43

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

A)intelligence tests
B)personality tests
C)situational tests
D)interests inventories

Question 44

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)driving records

Question 45

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 most likely 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.

Question 46

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)locating references other than the ones provided by the applicant
D)using a search engine to find information about the applicant

Question 47

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

Question 48

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

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

Question 49

Which of the following is used to measure job knowledge?

A)aptitude tests
B)interest inventories
C)achievement tests
D)projective tests

Question 50

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

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

Question 51

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

Question 52

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

A)work sampling event
B)situational judgment test
C)management assessment center
D)applicant personality test

Question 53

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)Industrial psychologists are involved in the testing process.
D)Peers are effectively able to predict the success of applicants.

Question 54

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

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

Question 55

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)pharmacist's assistant at Walgreen's
C)security guard at Wells Fargo Bank
D)cashier at J.C. Penney's

Question 56

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)given video-based situational interviews to assess their critical thinking skills

Question 57

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

A)Applicants find it difficult to fake answers.
B)Employers learn about an applicant's personality.
C)Applicants can evaluate their own performance.
D)Fine motor skills can be accurately assessed over time.

Question 58

Elliot,a manager at Harwood Publishing,gave a bad reference to a former employee.Elliot could most likely be accused of ________ if the information is both false and harmful.

A)discrimination
B)adverse impact
C)arbitration
D)defamation

Question 59

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)cognitive ability tests
C)work sampling technique
D)job knowledge tests

Question 60

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)cognitive ability tests
C)assessment centers
D)work samples

Question 61

According to experts known as human lie detectors,which of the following characteristics most likely indicates that a job candidate is being deceptive?

A)uncrossed legs
B)irregular breathing
C)unchanging pupils
D)slow verbal responses

Question 62

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

Question 63

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 64

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

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

Question 65

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

Question 66

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

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

Question 67

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

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

Question 68

Applicant tracking systems are mostly used by employers to ________.

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

Question 69

Organization-person fit is the primary concern of most employers during the selection process.

Question 70

As the HR manager at Johnson Manufacturing,Derek is responsible for deciding which selection tools are most appropriate.When deciding on a specific selection tool,Derek should most likely consider all of the following factors EXCEPT the tool's ________.

A)return on investment
B)adverse impact
C)persistence
D)usability

Question 71

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

Question 72

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

Question 73

Which of the following is most likely 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)Most employers test potential applicants during the recruitment process.
D)Most urine sample tests measure the degree of impairment.

Question 74

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

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

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

Question 77

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

Question 78

Tina is applying for a job as an assembly worker at Honda.As part of the selection procedure,Tina received classroom instruction and was asked to practice assembling windshield wipers onto cars.Tina most likely participated in ________.

A)miniature job training and evaluation
B)situational judgment tests
C)assessment centers
D)management games

Question 79

EEO laws require nondiscriminatory selection procedures for protected groups.

Question 80

E-Verify is primarily used by employers to ________.

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