The Usefulness of Selection Tests,
Abstract
In many selection situations, some predictor of success, such as a test, is used to discriminate between the applicants to be accepted and those to be rejected. Using an interpretation of Brogden (1946), this paper shows the effect of using a correlated variable on the mean criterion score of the selected group. The distribution of the means of all possible selections is discussed and a simple formula is provided for calculating the probability of achieving as high or higher mean using random selection as opposed to using a correlated variable. It is shown that even fairly small correlations result in selection decisions that are not often exceeded by chance. The Brogden interpretation and significance test is shown to extend simply to the case of several predictors.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADP001289
Entities
People
- Albert E. Beaton
- John L. Barone
Organizations
- Educational Testing Service