The Pros And Cons Of Cognitive Reliability Test

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Validity & Reliability
The validity coefficient of a cognitive ability test or GCA is 0.51, one of the highest validity coefficient, structured interview as equally valid. Cognitive ability test brings forth many advantages, they are considered highly reliable, both verbal reasoning and numerical test have shown high validity for a wide range of jobs, validity rises with the increasing complexity of the job and combinations of aptitude test have higher validities than individual test alone (HR-Guide, 2002). Meta-analytic studies have demonstrated that GCA as one of the most powerful predictors of success job performance and training. GCA has been used in the past to hire federally such as in the Army.
A combination of criterion-related validity …show more content…

The disadvantages often associated with this type of test is that the score tends to differ based on minority/non-minority group. "Non-minorities typically score one standard deviation above minorities which may result in adverse impact depending on how the scores are used in the selection process (HR-Guide, 2002).” For example, in a survey conducted by 154 organizations across Canada, Ng and Sears reported positive association with “lower levels of minority group representation in the organization as a whole, and in management ranks (Catano, 2013).” Due to the increased knowledge-based skills necessary for a job, reading and verbal skills are required in the cognitive ability test. For minority groups that proves to be a disadvantage, since English is not their first language. Similarly, it negatively impacts an applicant based on sex. Knowledge of mathematics may negatively impact the score for females. The way the score is used is important because if a knockout were to be the case, which it is in this particular selection process than it has a negative impact on minority …show more content…

To reduce the adverse impact a knock-out cognitive ability test has on minority groups, I would recommend the continued use of cognitive ability test but not as a complete knock-out measure, used as a knockout after the four step formal-assessment (application, written-test and/or interview, reference and security check and language test) is complete. Along side a purchased personality test that measure contentiousness a validity coefficient of 0.31. A combination of both predictors increased the validity coefficient to 0.60 and allows for a better interpretation of applicants without negatively impacting certain groups. A mandatory formal interview for all positions, not just supervisor positions, would be ideal but it is not cost effective for the number of positions that need to be filled in the short period of

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