Question 1

The controversial practice that treats a range of scores as being similar and thus allows the employer to give preference to underrepresented groups within these "similar" scores is known as _____.

Accepted Answer

The concept of banding treats a range of scores as being similar. All applicants within a range of scores, or band, are treated as having the same score. Then within the set of "tied" scores, employers give preference to underrepresented groups.

Question 2

Which of the following is a concern relating to the use of cognitive ability tests?

Accepted Answer

The evidence of validity, coupled with the relatively low cost of these tests, makes cognitive ability tests appealing, except for one problem: concern about legal issues. These concerns arise from a historical pattern in which use of the tests has had an adverse impact on African Americans.

Question 3

The rules for drug testing include all of the following EXCEPT:

Accepted Answer

Drug-testing report should be sent to the applicant, along with information about how to appeal the results and be retested if appropriate.

Question 4

An assessment center:

Accepted Answer

Job performance tests have the advantage of giving applicants a chance to show what they can do, which leads them to feel that the evaluation was fair.

Question 5

The "Big Five" traits that include extroversion,adjustment,agreeableness,conscientiousness,and inquisitiveness,are all _____ dimensions.

Accepted Answer

One way that psychologists think about personality is in terms of the "Big Five" traits: extroversion, adjustment, agreeableness, conscientiousness, and inquisitiveness.

Question 6

Tests designed to measure such mental skills as verbal skills,quantitative skills,and reasoning ability are referred to as _____ tests.

Accepted Answer

Tests designed to measure such mental abilities as verbal skills, quantitative skills, and reasoning ability are referred to as cognitive ability tests.

Question 7

A typing test for an administrative assistant's job is an example of a(n)_____ test.

Accepted Answer

Testing for job performance may involve a simulated work environment, a difficult team project, or a complex computer programming puzzle. Examples of job performance tests include tests of keyboarding speed and in-basket tests.

Question 8

Which of the following is true about job performance tests?

Accepted Answer

Job performance tests have the advantage of giving applicants a chance to show what they can do, which leads them to feel that the evaluation was fair.

Question 9

Which of the following is true about medical examinations of job candidates?

Accepted Answer

To protect candidates' privacy, medical exams must be related to job requirements and may not be given until the candidate has received a job offer.

Question 10

In general,the results of reference checks for job applicants will be most valid if the employer _____.

Accepted Answer

In general, the results of reference checking will be most valid if the employer contacts many references (if possible, going beyond the list of names provided by the applicant) and speaks with them directly by phone, and listens carefully for clues such as tone of voice.

Question 11

Which of the following is true about cognitive ability tests?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive ability tests -sometimes called "intelligence tests"-are designed to measure such mental abilities as verbal skills, quantitative skills, and reasoning ability. The tests are especially valid for complex jobs and for those requiring adaptability in changing circumstances.

Question 12

_____ tests are sometimes called "intelligence tests."

Accepted Answer

Cognitive ability tests are sometimes called "intelligence tests." These are designed to measure such mental abilities as verbal skills, quantitative skills, and reasoning ability.

Question 13

What do achievement tests measure?

Accepted Answer

Achievement tests measure a person's existing knowledge and skills.

Question 14

Which of the following tests assess how well a person can learn or acquire skills and abilities?

Accepted Answer

Aptitude tests assess how well a person can learn or acquire skills and abilities.

Question 15

Which of the following traits describe conscientiousness?

Accepted Answer

Conscientiousness is indicated in a person who is dependable, organized, persevering, thorough, and achievement-oriented. Refer to table 6.3.

Question 16

Which of the following is one of the ways by which individuals acting as references for job applicants can minimize the risk of being sued for defamation or misrepresentation?

Accepted Answer

In order to minimize the risks associated with providing information about job candidates, most organizations have policies that the HR department will handle all requests for references and that they will only verify employment dates and sometimes the employee's final salary. In organizations without such a policy, HR professionals should be careful-and train managers to be careful-to stick to observable, job-related behaviors and to avoid broad opinions that may be misinterpreted.

Question 17

What is race norming?

Accepted Answer

Race norming means establishing different norms for hiring members of different racial groups. The Civil Rights Act of 1991 forbids the use of race or sex norming.

Question 18

Which of the following tests is a legal means to test the integrity of job applicants and generally involves asking applicants directly about their attitudes toward theft and their own experiences with theft?

Accepted Answer

Paper-and-pencil honesty (or integrity) tests ask applicants directly about their attitudes toward theft and their own experiences with theft. These were developed in response to the passage of the Polygraph Act in 1998 that banned the use of polygraphs for screening job candidates.

Question 19

In-basket tests are an example of _____ tests.

Accepted Answer

Job performance testing may involve a simulated work environment, a difficult team project, or a complex computer programming puzzle. Examples of job performance tests include tests of keyboarding speed and in-basket tests. An in-basket test measures the ability to juggle a variety of demands, as in a manager's job.

Question 20

Sean Mathers,a recruiter for a retail firm,is looking for candidates to fill a sales position.Since the job requires the salesperson to interact with customers,Sean is looking for candidates who are expressive and convincing with customers.He also wants the candidates to be friendly and social.Which one of the "Big Five" traits is Sean looking for in particular?

Accepted Answer

Extroversion is indicated in a person who is described as sociable, gregarious, assertive, talkative, and expressive.

Quiz 6: Selecting Employees and Placing Them in Jobs