PSYCHOMETRICS OR PSYCHOBABBLE?

The broad conclusion of contractors with experience in psychometrics is that it is a useful tool.

But it is not a technique to be used in isolation.

Some fundamental questions about the validity of psychometric testing include -



1. Can personality actually be measured?



2. To what extent do tests depend on the co-operation of the subject in telling the truth?



3. Is the candidate inclined to give the answers that he thinks the interviewer wants?



4. Are the questions loaded? - do they carry assumptions and implied approval or disapproval of certain qualities?



5. Are personal characteristics properly defined? - for example, does 'ambitious' have a fixed meaning?



6. Are characteristics innate or acquired? Are you a QS because you are disposed to be analytical? Or have you developed an analytical mind because you are a QS?



7. Is the prospective employer sure of what qualities he is looking for?



8. Is he right in associating certain personal characteristics with certain job functions?



9. Do the tests cover a sufficiently broad range of characteristics?



FURTHER

INFORMATION

A free guidance booklet on psychological testing from:

The British Psychological Society,

Tel 0533 549568)