Introduces Rene Thom's catastrophe theory, which is based upon complex theorems in multidimensional geometry. Catastrophe theory analysis begins by identifying the occurrence of major discontinuities, or catastrophes, in a system such as civil service exams, resulting in catastrophic change. (KS)

Results of a study correlating work behaviors, performance appraisals and results of civil service promotion examinations suggest that exam scores are not sufficient and should not be the sole determinant of promotions. Work behaviors and job performance are time consuming to assess but should also be considered as civil service promotion…

Discusses test validation studies, adverse impact analyses, and job analyses used to validate assessment procedures for screening corrections officer candidates in Pennsylvania. Addresses psychological screening, background investigations, and assessment fairness. (Contains 50 endnotes.) (SK)

This study explores whether the anticipation of a graded (merit, pass, fail) test outcome rather than a binary (pass, fail) form of feedback influenced the motivation of learners taking a vocationally related test. Ninety-four students currently taking a vocationally related qualification were divided into control and experimental groups. Each…

Analyzes critically and integrates the legal, psychometric, and professional literature on the use and misuse of cutoff scores by managers to help make personnel decisions. Examines alternative methods in relation to legal precedents set by the courts, to psychometric principles, and to the various sets of professional guidelines. (Author/ABL)

Reviewed court cases to assess implications of latest professional and legal guidelines for court deliberations regarding the criterion-related validity of tests with adverse impact. Among the findings were the heavy reliance placed on test development procedures and the reluctance of judges to accept recent reseach findings, which are…

The National Longitudinal Survey of Labor Force Behavior concluded that underprivileged youth lack occupational information. But the Knowledge of the World of Work Test administered to the young people surveyed does not appear to be reliable. (SK)

The accuracy was assessed of a method for estimating unrestricted univariate predictor means and variances from sample data for three populations in two personnel selection contexts. The first context was characterized by direct non-strict truncation and the second was characterized by direct strict truncation on the predictor. (TJH)

Alternate versions of the Western Personnel Test were administered via computer and in the standard paper and pencil format to two groups of adults (N=50). Results suggest that the two forms of administration yield comparable results, and that separate norms for the computer-administered version are not necessary. (TJH)

Discusses options for the hiring, testing, training, and supervision of lifeguards. Stresses the responsibility of camp directors in hiring properly trained lifeguards to ensure camper safety. Includes a precamp screening test of lifeguard knowledge and skills. (LP)

Predictive validity, generally taken to be the prime validity that occupationally normed interest inventories should demonstrate, is dependent on the capacity of an instrument to differentiate between occupations. A comparison of two methods of differentiation shows that a method using proportions of each occupational group to assign item-scoring…

Responses from 51 of 240 regional sales managers identified skills and characteristics important for sales personnel. However, few used formal tests or instruments to assess those skills in potential employees. (SK)

The following issues should be considered in charging fees to job applicants to take examinations in public agencies: legal authority to charge, purpose of fee, disposition of the money, how much to charge, whether refunds are given, effect on affirmative action, waivers for inability to pay, effect on attendance at the exam, and how much revenue…

The vocational interests of disabled adults can be differentiated and are structured in a way that corresponds closely with the interest dimensions of other populations. The United States Employment Service Interest Inventory (USES-II) is recommended for vocational rehabilitation counseling with disabled adults. (Author/ABB)

Incorporating simulated job samples into the junior high school curriculum can provide vocational exploration opportunities as well as assessment data on special needs students. Students can participate as active learners and decision makers. (CL)