IDS HR StudyPlus (Study 770), March 2004

Psychometric tests

• Covers both ability tests and personality assessments
• Highlights the importance of selecting an appropriate test
• Discusses good practice in test administration and feedback
• Features six detailed company case studies examining how tests are used for selection and development purposes in a variety of contexts
• Provides details on over 80 ability tests and personality assessment products published or distributed by 14 leading UK suppliers

By offering a way for employers to gain a relatively objective source of information on candidates, psychometric testing can be an important tool in reaching recruitment decisions. It can also play a valuable role in assessing an employee's suitability for promotion and in identifying development needs. Tests can measure ability in a range of different areas and provide an insight into employees' personalities and work styles. However, tests should never be used without suitable training and they should not be employed independently of other assessment measures.

This StudyPlus looks at how psychometric tests are scored, interpreted and reported. It also outlines the training required to become a qualified test user, considers how to reduce the potential for discrimination in testing and discusses the pros and cons of online testing.

On top of this, a large directory section describes over 80 ability tests and personality assessments published or distributed by 14 major UK suppliers. For each product, details are provided on the formats available, the cost involved and the level of training required for the test user.

What's in this StudyPlus?

This 84-page StudyPlus contains the following sections:

Overview

Using tests appropriately

Analysis

Types of tests

• Ability tests
• Personality assessments
• How to become a qualified test user

Review of company practice

• What tests are used for
• Identifying an appropriate test
• Test administration
• Informing selection decisions
• Assessing development needs
• Providing feedback to candidates
• Validation

Case studies

• Asda
• The Environment Agency
• Gatwick Express
• Kimberly-Clark Europe
• Luminar Leisure
• Vodafone

Guide to suppliers

• Choosing a psychometric test
• A checklist of the key issues for test buyers to consider
• A directory section detailing over 80 psychometric tests offered by 14 publishers