EMPLOYEE SELECTION:

TESTING AND ASSESSMENT

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC

WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

Ben Dattner, Ph.D.

ben@dattnerconsulting.com
212-501-8945

Allison Dunn
allison@dattnerconsulting.com
212-734-3578
 TABLE OF CONTENTS:

 TESTING AND ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW

 COGNITIVE ABILITIES TESTS
 PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT TESTS
 SALES ABILITIES TESTS

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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 EMPLOYEE SELECTION:
TESTING AND ASSESSMENT

TESTING AND ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW

 STEPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A SELECTION PROGRAM

 MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS WHEN TESTING

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TESTING AND ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW:
STEPS IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF A
SELECTION PROGRAM

Job Analysis

Identification of Relevant
Job Performance Dimensions

Identification of Knowledge,
Skills, Abilities (KSAs)
Necessary for the Job

Development of Assessment
Devices to Measure KSAs

Validation of Assessment
Devices

Use of Assessment Devices in

Processing Applicants

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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TESTING AND ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW:
MAJOR CONSIDERATIONS WHEN TESTING
Appropriateness
 Validity
 Reliability
 Legality

Usefulness
 Job Responsibilities
 Industry
 Level
 Multiple Measurements
 Report Options and Quality

Logistics
 Scoring/Results Turnaround Time
 Ease of Use
 Administration Options
 Cost

User Experience
 Face Validity
 Time to Complete

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 EMPLOYEE SELECTION:
TESTING AND ASSESSMENT

COGNITIVE ABILITIES TESTS

 WATSON-GLASER CRITICAL THINKING

 WONDERLIC PERSONNEL TEST
 MULTIPLE APTITUDE BATTERY-II

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COGNITIVE ABILITIES TESTS:
WATSON-GLASER CRITICAL THINKING (WGCTA)

Source: The Psychological Corporation

http://www.pantesting.com/products/PsychCorp/WGCTA.asp

Purpose: Predict an employee’s career path based on critical thinking skills

Attributes/Abilities Assessed:
 Inference
 Recognition of assumptions
 Deduction
 Interpretation
 Evaluation of arguments

Logistics:
 80 items
 Approximately 60 minutes to complete
 Paper/pencil administration; hand-scoring

Sample Item:
Mr. Brown, who lives in the town of Salem, was brought before the Salem
municipal court for the sixth time in the past month on a charge of keeping
his pool hall open after 1 a.m. He again admitted his guilt and was fined the
maximum, $500, as in each earlier instance.

On some nights it was to Mr. Brown’s advantage to keep his pool hall open
after 1 a.m., even at the risk of paying a $500 fine.

True - Probably True - Insufficient Data - Probably False - False

Output: Score which is compared against norms

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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COGNITIVE ABILITIES TESTS:
WONDERLIC PERSONNEL TEST (WPT)
Source: Wonderlic
http://www.wonderlic.com/

Purpose: Measures cognitive ability as an accurate predictor of employment

success

Attributes/Abilities Assessed:
 Candidate’s ability to:
 learn a specific job
 solve problems
 understand instructions
 apply knowledge to new situations
 benefit from specific job training
 be satisfied with a particular job

Logistics:
 50 items
 Exactly 12 minutes to complete
 Paper/pencil administration; hand-scoring

Sample Item:

Assume the first two statements are true

Is the final one:

True False Not certain

The boy plays baseball. All baseball players wear hats. The boy wears a hat.

Output: Score which is compared against norms

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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COGNITIVE ABILITIES TESTS:
MULTIPLE APTITUDE BATTERY-II (MAB-II)
Source: Sigma Assessment Systems
http://www.sigmahr.com

Purpose: Assess candidate’s aptitudes and intelligence

Attributes/Abilities Assessed:
 Verbal IQ
 Performance IQ
 Full Scale IQ

Logistics:
 Subtests, which can be individually or group administered
 7 minutes to complete each subtest; 100 minutes to complete full battery
 Paper/pencil administration; Mail-in scoring

Sample Items:
Q1: In throwing three dice together, what are the chances of obtaining three 5’s?
a. 1 in 6
b. 1 in 15
c. 1 in 18
d. 1 in 36
e. 1 in 216

Q2: A synonym of insipid is:

a. treacherous
b. enduring
c. poisonous
d. fearless
e. dull

Output: Scales with interpretive instructions:

“…indicating a significantly higher degree of aptitude relating to knowledge of
diverse facts, suggesting a wide range of interests and an excellent long term
memory.”

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 EMPLOYEE SELECTION:
TESTING AND ASSESSMENT

PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT TESTS

 16 PERSONALITY FACTORS (16PF)

 GUILFORD-ZIMMERMAN TEMPERAMENT SURVEY
 NEO PERSONALITY INVENTORY, REVISED
 HOGAN PERSONALITY INVENTORY
 EMPLOYEE SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE
 EMOTIONAL QUOTIENT INVENTORY (EQ-I)

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT TESTS:
16 PERSONALITY FACTORS, 5TH ED. (16PF)

Source: IPAT
http://www.ipat.com/

Purpose: Assist with selection through measurement of five primary management

dimensions that frequently forecast management potential and style

Attributes/Abilities Assessed:
 Warmth  Vigilance
 Reasoning  Abstractedness
 Emotional Stability  Privateness
 Dominance  Apprehension
 Liveliness  Openness to Change
 Rule-Consciousness  Self-Reliance
 Social Boldness  Perfectionism
 Sensitivity  Tension

Logistics:
 185 items
 Approximately 35-50 minutes to complete
 Online administration and scoring

Sample Items:
Q1: I get new ideas about all sorts of things, too many to put into practice.
True – ? – False

Q2: I let little things upset me more than they should. True – ? – False

Output: Basic Interpretive Report

“At times, Mr. X may show the self-discipline and conscientiousness needed to
meet his responsibilities. At other times, he may be less restrained, following his
own wishes.”

“Typically Mr. X tends to take things in stride and adapt to circumstances.”

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT TESTS:
GUILFORD-ZIMMERMAN TEMPERAMENT SURVEY
(GZTS)
Source: Pearson Assessments
http://www.pearsonassessments.com

Purpose: Measures attributes related that may help predict successful

performance in various occupations

Attributes/Abilities Assessed:
 Personality traits
 Temperament factors

Logistics:
 300 items
 Approximately 30-60 minutes to complete
 Paper/pencil administration; mail-in scoring

Sample Items:
Q1: You give little thought to your failures after they are past. Y – ? – N

Q2: You like to sell things (that is, to act as a salesperson). Y–?–N

Q3: You often crave excitement. Y–?–N

Q4: You speak out in meetings to oppose those who you feel sure are
wrong.
Y–?–N

Output: Interpretive Report

“He usually avoids being surrounded by other people, and he tends not to
initiate conversations with strangers.”

“He does not take things too seriously and is inclined to act impulsively.”

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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PERSONALITY AND TEMPERAMENT TESTS:
NEO PERSONALITY INVENTORY, REVISED (NEO PI-R)
Source: Psychological Assessment Resources
http://www.parinc.com

Purpose: Provide a general description of normal personality

Attributes/Abilities Assessed:
 Conscientiousness
 Agreeableness
 Neuroticism
 Openness to experience
 Extraversion

Logistics:
 243 items
 Approximately 45 minutes to complete
 Paper/pencil administration; mail-in scoring

Sample Items:
Q1: I am not a worrier.
Strongly Agree – Agree – Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree

Q2: If I don’t like people, I let them know it.

Strongly Agree – Agree – Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree

Q3: Sometimes I’m not as dependable or reliable as I should be.

Strongly Agree – Agree – Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree

Output: Scores and Narrative Report

“He is forceful and dominant, preferring to be a group leader rather than a
follower.”

“This individual is rational, prudent, practical, resourceful, and well-

prepared.”

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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HOGAN PERSONALITY INVENTORY

Source: Hogan Assessment Systems

800-756-0632
http://www.hoganassessments.com/HPI.aspx

Purpose: Can be used either for selecting or developing high-caliber employees

Attributes/Abilities Assessed:

7 dimensions that influence occupational success; scales divided into percentile

scores (high=above 65th percentile, average=between 35th and 65th percentile,
low=below 35th percentile):

 Adjustment
 Ambition
 Sociability
 Interpersonal Sensitivity
 Prudence
 Inquisitive
 Learning Approach

Logistics:
 206 True/False items
 15-20 minutes to complete
 Paper and pencil or online

Certifications:
User must have a BA or advanced degree in psychology or a related field, or have
received accreditation through Hogan Systems; workshops are $1,100 and are
usually held in Atlanta, GA

Output: PDF file, various report options available

Cost: $150 onetime setup fee, plus $40 per report

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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EMPLOYEE SCREENING QUESTIONNAIRE (ESQ)
Source: Sigma Assessment Systems
http://www.sigmahr.com/

Purpose: Predict positive and counterproductive work behaviors

Attributes/Abilities Assessed:

 Org commitment and job  Lateness

satisfaction  Sabotage
 Customer service  Driving delinquency
 Productivity  Security, confidentiality, and
 Accuracy safety violations
 Promotability  Loafing
 Employee theft  Unauthorized giveaways to
 Absenteeism friends and family
 OTJ alcohol and drug abuse

Logistics:
 27 items
 Approximately 15 minutes to complete
 Online administration and scoring

Sample Item:
Of the four statements below, select the Most and Least:
I get along with people at parties quite well.
Changes in routine bother me.
I often make people angry by teasing them.
If someone gave me too much change, I would point it out.

Output: ESQ Narrative Report

“Will not approach clients to seek out ways to be helpful.”

“Demonstrates care and attention when performing the job.”

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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EMOTIONAL QUOTIENT INVENTORY (EQ-I)

Source: Multi-Health Systems http://www.mhs.com/

Purpose: To assess the emotional intelligence of job candidates

Attributes/Abilities Assessed:

 Intrapersonal skills
Emotional self awareness
Assertiveness
Self-regard
Self-actualization
Independence

 Interpersonal skills, Stress Management

Interpersonal relationships
Social responsibility
Empathy

 Adaptability
Problem solving
Reality testing
Flexibility

 General Mood
Happiness
Optimism
Logistics:
 133 items
 Approximately 30 minutes to complete
 Paper and pencil or online administration and scoring

Certifications:
“B-level” certification from MHS

Output:
Individual Summary Reports provide the overall EQ score, scores for each of the
15 areas measured, and scores for validity indices.

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 EMPLOYEE SELECTION:
TESTING AND ASSESSMENT

SALES ABILITIES TESTS

 SIGMA SURVEY FOR SALES PROFESSIONALS

 CALIPER FIRST STEP FOR SALES
 WALDEN SALES SKILLS TEST

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 SALES ABILITIES TESTS:
SIGMA SURVEY FOR SALES PROFESSIONALS (3SP)
Source: Sigma Assessment Systems
http://www.sigmahr.com/

Purpose: Selection and placement for a wide range of sales positions

Attributes Assessed:

 Technical  Formal  Dependability

Orientation Presentation  Ambition
 Creativity  Persuasiveness  Assuming
 Thoroughness  Negotiation Responsibility
 Risk Taking  Listening  Vision
 Open Mindedness  Achievement /  Organizational
 First Impression Motivation Spokesperson
 Interpersonal  Self Discipline  Short-term
Relations  Flexibility Planning
 Sensitivity  Independence  Strategic Planning
 Social Astuteness  Self-Esteem  Productivity
 Communication  Emotional Control

Logistics:
 352 items
 Approximately 35-40 minutes to complete
 Online administration and scoring

Sample Items:
Q1: “I am careful to plan for my distant goals.”
Strongly Disagree – Agree – Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree

Q2: “If someone criticizes the way I work, I point out their deficiencies.”
Strongly Disagree – Agree – Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree

Output: 3SP Report

“Warm helpful people, like Mr. X, are quite ready to assist customers with creative solutions.”

“His self-confidence makes him particular effective at promoting ideas, products, or services.”

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SALES ABILITIES TESTS:
CALIPER FIRST STEP FOR SALES
Source: Caliper
http://www.calipercorp.com

Purpose: Assess and eliminate candidates who do not have the qualities needed to
succeed in sales

Attributes/Abilities Assessed:
 Ego Drive
 Empathy
 Confidence
 Sociability
 Helpfulness
 Thoroughness

Logistics:
 75 items
 Approximately 20 minutes to complete
 Online administration and scoring

Sample Items:
Q1: Select the term that is Most and Least descriptive of you:
Solitary Assertive Impulsive Consistent

Q2: Complete the analogy: bruise – fall; bump - ?

Wound Lump Knock Limp

Q3: I cannot stand being distracted once I’m involved in something.

Strongly Disagree – Agree – Neutral – Disagree – Strongly Disagree

Output: Narrative Report

“In a sales situation, her motivation to persuade will often fuel her efforts to convince
her clients to make a commitment.”

“…she should naturally seek out opportunities to be with prospects and clients.”

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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SALES ABILITIES TESTS:
WALDEN SALES SKILLS TEST
Source: Walden Personnel Testing and Consulting
http://www.waldentesting.com/

Purpose: Assess the knowledge, skills and abilities required to succeed in sales
positions, including Selecting Sales Representatives, District Sales Managers, and
Sale Clerks

Attributes Assessed:
 Knowledge of general sales principles
 Knowledge of sales terms
 Relevant vocabulary skills
 Understanding of issues that can affect the sales process
 Ability to deal with several sales situations
 Basic mathematical and calculation skills
 Logic and attention to detail

Logistics:
 6 items
 Exactly 65 minutes to complete
 Online administration and scoring

Sample Items:
Q1: Below are seven key steps (a to g) in the selling cycle. They are in random
order. On the lines provided, place the digits 1 to 7 to indicate the best logical order
to execute these steps for a successful sale.

a. addressing concerns b. presentation of the product

c. getting referrals d. closing the sale
e. prospecting f. qualification
g. original contact

Output: Candidate Score and Hiring Recommendation

“With an overall score of 81%, Ms. Logan strongly demonstrates the skills needed to
succeed in a sales position.”

DATTNER CONSULTING, LLC WWW.DATTNERCONSULTING.COM

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