Deck 6: Selecting Employees

Question 1

Which of the following factors would LEAST likely be needed to conduct a utility analysis of a firm's candidate screening process?

A) average test scores of applicants
B) median salaries
C) number of applicants tested
D) testing costs

Answer 1

B
Explanation: The information required for utility analysis generally includes, for instance, the validity of the selection measure, a measure of job performance in dollars, applicants' average test scores, cost of testing an applicant, and the number of applicants tested and selected. It is unlikely that median salary would be a factor.

Question 2

Which of the following terms refers to the consistency of scores obtained by the same person when retested with alternate forms of the same test?

A) equivalency
B) expectancy
C) reliability
D) validity

Answer 2

C
Explanation: Reliability is a test's first requirement and refers to its consistency. A reliable test is one that yields consistent scores when a person takes two alternate forms of the test or when he or she takes the same test on two or more different occasions.

Question 3

If a person scores a 78 on a test on one day and scores a 79 when retested on another day,you would most likely conclude that the test is ________.

A) valid
B) invalid
C) reliable
D) unreliable

Answer 3

C
Explanation: A reliable test is one that yields consistent scores when a person takes two alternate forms of the test or when he or she takes the same test on two or more different occasions. Scores of 78 and 79 on the same test suggest that the test is reliable because it is measuring with consistency.

Question 4

Hiring workers who have criminal backgrounds without proper safeguards is considered ________.

A) improper screening
B) negligent hiring
C) unreliable testing
D) improper hiring

Question 5

What is the primary goal of employee selection?

A) achieving person-job fit
B) avoiding negligent hiring
C) developing a diverse workforce
D) maintaining valid test scores

Question 6

For over 40 years,Golden Creamery has been mixing up fresh,gourmet ice cream for customers.The company originated in Dallas and now boasts stores in 35 states.The business has primarily expanded by selling franchises to qualified candidates.Golden Creamery executives realize that the firm's success depends upon the success of each franchise.In the past,each individual franchise owner determined the best method for screening applicants.However,as the firm grows,Golden Creamery executives want to standardize the hiring process by requiring all franchisees to use the same preemployment tests. Which of the following,if TRUE,supports the argument that Golden Creamery should require franchise owners to use the firm's preemployment tests?

A) Hourly employees at Golden Creamery stores typically remain with the company long enough to be promoted to management positions.
B) Annual turnover rates for hourly employees of Golden Creamery stores are three times the rate of comparable businesses.
C) Golden Creamery uses a series of videos to train new hires as well as a mentoring program that has proven successful in the past.
D) Individuals interested in working at a Golden Creamery store can complete online applications on the firm's website.

Question 7

What is the final step in the test validation process?

A) averaging test scores
B) analyzing the job
C) publishing the test
D) cross-validating

Question 8

________ is used as an estimate of reliability and involves administering two equivalent tests and then comparing the two resulting test scores.

A) Equivalent form estimate
B) Retest estimate
C) Internal comparison estimate
D) Criterion validity

Question 9

A reliable employment test will most likely yield ________.

A) consistent scores when a person takes two alternate forms of the test
B) improved scores when a person takes the same test more than once in a single day
C) high scores when two different people are administered the test at different times
D) similar scores when two different people are administered the test at the same time

Question 10

Which of the following describes using a retest estimate to assess reliability?

A) administering a test with x number of items designed to assess a topic and then statistically analyzing the degree to which responses vary
B) administering the same test to the same people at two different times and comparing their test scores at time 2 with their scores at time 1
C) administering an employment test to measure the skills an individual needs to perform the job
D) administering a test to a person and then administering an equivalent test at a later time

Question 11

Which of the following questions should most likely be answered by a utility analysis?

A) Does it pay to use the test?
B) Is the test valid and reliable?
C) Does the test comply with the EEOC?
D) Is the test considered infallible?

Question 12

All of the following are used for estimating reliability of a test EXCEPT ________.

A) retest estimates
B) equivalent form estimates
C) content validity estimates
D) internal comparison estimates

Question 13

Which of the following shows the degree to which using a selection measure improves the quality of individuals selected for a job?

A) utility analysis
B) validity score
C) reliability coefficient
D) internal HR audit

Question 14

If a person scores a 70 on an intelligence test on one day and scores 110 when retested on another day,you might conclude that this test is ________.

A) valid
B) reliable
C) unreliable
D) inconsistent

Question 15

Which of the following terms refers to the accuracy with which a test fulfills the function for which it was designed?

A) validity
B) reliability
C) relevancy
D) consistency

Question 16

The unreliability of a test would most likely be explained by all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) poor sampling of question material
B) inconsistent testing conditions
C) failure to predict job performance
D) differences in the test-taker

Question 17

Which of the following describes how you would implement an internal comparison estimate to assess reliability?

A) Administer the same test to the same people at two different points in time and compare their test scores at time 2 with the scores at time 1.
B) Administer a test with x number of items designed to assess a topic; then statistically analyze the degree to which responses to the items vary together.
C) Administer different tests to different people and compare test scores of the different people.
D) Administer a test with content based on what a person actually needs to know to do the job in question well.

Question 18

As a manager,what is the most important reason to select employees carefully?

A) meet industry and organizational standards
B) comply with federal and state labor laws
C) improve employee and organizational performance
D) establish a high-performing work system

Question 19

Effective employee screening will most likely ________.

A) improve team management skills
B) eliminate negative office politics
C) identify valid and reliable test procedures
D) reduce dysfunctional workplace behaviors

Question 20

The first step in the validation process is ________.

A) creating a test battery
B) analyzing the job
C) administering tests
D) cross-validating

Question 21

Which term refers to sifting through large amounts of employee information to find patterns and identify traits that correlate with performance?

A) data mining
B) talent management
C) succession planning
D) workforce screening

Question 22

A test that is criterion valid contains a fair sample of the tasks and skills actually needed for the job in question.

Question 23

Which assessment method has a high development cost?

A) cognitive ability tests
B) job knowledge tests
C) structured interviews
D) integrity tests

Question 24

How can the validity of a personnel test be determined? What types of personnel tests rate high and low in validity?

Question 25

According to the American Psychological Association,all of the following are rights of test takers EXCEPT the right to expect ________.

A) confidentiality of test results
B) tests to be the only selection tools for jobs
C) scores to be interpreted by qualified individuals
D) informed consent regarding the use of test results

Question 26

There are five steps in the validation process,beginning with analyzing the job and concluding with administering the test.

Question 27

Which of the following assessment methods has the lowest validity?

A) cognitive ability tests
B) job knowledge tests
C) structured interviews
D) personality tests

Question 28

The American Psychological Association's standards for educational and psychological tests are legally enforceable by state and federal governments.

Question 29

How can background checks and preemployment tests help firms save both money and time?

Question 30

The validation of tests used as employment screening tools will most likely be conducted by the HR manager and line supervisor.

Question 31

Demonstrating the content validity of a test can be accomplished by showing that ________.

A) tasks performed on the test are general enough to apply to any type of job
B) scores on the test indicate both internal and external reliability
C) higher test scores are statistically equivalent to proven, long-term job success
D) conditions under which the test is administered resemble the work situation

Question 32

Equivalent form estimates compare test scores from the same test administered at two points in time to determine test equivalence.

Question 33

Blue Bay Hotels is in the process of modifying the assessment methods the company uses to hire new employees.In the past,the hotel chain has been accused by minority organizations of violating EEO laws in its hiring practices,regarding adverse impact.Which of the following selection rate criteria should Blue Bay Hotels use to avoid adverse impact towards its minority employment candidates?

A) Test selection rate of minority candidates is more than three-fifths of majority candidates' selection rates.
B) Test selection rate of minority candidates is less than three-fifths of majority candidates' selection rates.
C) Test selection rate of minority candidates is less than four-fifths of majority candidates' selection rates.
D) Test selection rate of minority candidates is more than four-fifths of majority candidates' selection rates.

Question 34

A reliable test is one that yields consistent scores when a person takes two alternate forms of the test or when he or she takes the same test on two or more different occasions.

Question 35

Tests administered for hiring purposes should be both valid and reasonable if used by a firm that adheres to evidence-based human resources.

Question 36

For over 40 years,Golden Creamery has been mixing up fresh,gourmet ice cream for customers.The company originated in Dallas and now boasts stores in 35 states.The business has primarily expanded by selling franchises to qualified candidates.Golden Creamery executives realize that the firm's success depends upon the success of each franchise.In the past,each individual franchise owner determined the best method for screening applicants.However,as the firm grows,Golden Creamery executives want to standardize the hiring process by requiring all franchisees to use the same preemployment tests. Which of the following questions is most relevant to Golden Creamery's decision to implement preemployment testing for all franchises?

A) What is the best way for Golden Creamery to recruit both hourly and salaried employees?
B) How does testing correlate with Golden Creamery's mission and vision statements?
C) How will Golden Creamery ensure the confidentiality of an applicant's test results?
D) Should Golden Creamery use internal or external sources for job candidates?

Question 37

ION Consulting is a small firm that cannot afford to conduct validity studies for the selection tools it uses.The HR director at ION plans to use a selection tool that is used by the firm's largest and most successful competitors.The decision by the HR director is most likely based on ________.

A) utility analysis
B) construct reliability
C) validity generalization
D) alternate form estimates

Question 38

Explain the five steps in the validation process.

Question 39

According to the text,which of the following factors led KeyBank to implement a virtual job try out candidate assessment screening tool?

A) high rate of employee thefts
B) low employee diversity
C) high employee turnover
D) low employee morale

Question 40

The strong correlation between test results and job performance has led to numerous expert recommendations that tests be used as the only selection tool in the hiring process.

Question 41

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is a national restaurant chain with nearly 36,000 employees that began as a small restaurant in Seattle.Over the years,Red Robin has attempted to develop a reputation as a fun,family restaurant that offers both excellent food and service.Red Robin's core values-honor,integrity,having fun,and continually seeking knowledge-serve as the basis for all of the firm's decisions and are even embroidered on the sleeves of every employee's uniform.As Red Robin continues to expand,executives are considering adding tests to the screening process. Which of the following,if TRUE,would best support the argument that Red Robin should use personality tests in the employee selection process?

A) Red Robin desires employees with extensive knowledge of the restaurant industry and at least 2 years of experience serving customers.
B) Red Robin encourages employees to participate in the firm's environmental stewardship program to show community support.
C) Red Robin seeks outgoing, motivated, and compassionate employees to enhance the experience of its customers.
D) Red Robin employees receive extensive training and are provided with opportunities to be promoted to management positions.

Question 42

Which of the following tests measures what someone has learned?

A) achievement test
B) job knowledge test
C) cognitive ability test
D) aptitude test

Question 43

Typical simulated exercises used in management assessment centers include all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) individual presentations
B) leaderless group discussions
C) motor skills assessments
D) in-basket

Question 44

As part of the selection process for a position at UPS,Jack has been asked to lift weights and jump rope.Which of the following is most likely being measured by UPS?

A) interpersonal skills
B) physical abilities
C) achievements
D) cognitive skills

Question 45

________ tests include tests of general reasoning ability and tests of specific mental abilities like memory and inductive reasoning.

A) Personality
B) Achievement
C) Cognitive
D) Physical ability

Question 46

While some personality characteristics are associated with success in different types of jobs,which personality trait is most frequently associated with job performance in all jobs?

A) openness to experience
B) conscientiousness
C) agreeableness
D) extroversion

Question 47

Mike Simmons has recently applied for a position with Pfizer Pharmaceuticals.Which personality trait most likely has the strongest correlation to Mike's success as a pharmaceutical sales representative?

A) openness to experience
B) emotional stability
C) extroversion
D) agreeableness

Question 48

Which of the following is used to measure job knowledge?

A) work samples
B) projective tests
C) achievement tests
D) interest inventories

Question 49

Tests that measure a range of abilities including memory,vocabulary,verbal fluency,and numerical ability are called ________ tests.

A) aptitude
B) intelligence
C) achievement
D) comprehensive

Question 50

A ________ is a simulation in which candidates perform realistic tasks in hypothetical situations and receive scores based on their performance.

A) work sampling event
B) video-based situational
C) miniature job evaluation
D) management assessment center

Question 51

All of the following are measured by aptitude tests EXCEPT ________.

A) memory
B) temperament
C) numerical ability
D) deductive reasoning

Question 52

All of the following are most likely assessed on personality tests EXCEPT ________.

A) sensitivity
B) reasoning
C) introversion
D) motivation

Question 53

Which of the following is the primary advantage of using management assessment centers in the selection process?

A) Development costs are very low.
B) Line managers are effectively able to predict the success of applicants.
C) Minimal time is required for test administration.
D) Industrial psychologists are involved in the testing process.

Question 54

According to experts,most people are hired for their qualifications and fired for their ________.

A) physical limitations
B) lack of aptitude
C) nonperformance
D) inadequate cognitive skills

Question 55

Carter Vacuums needs to hire 20 new employees to fill positions at its manufacturing facility.The HR department wants to minimize the costs related to screening applicants but also wants the assessment method to be highly valid to the specific jobs.Which of the following would be the best choice for Carter Vacuums?

A) personality tests
B) cognitive ability tests
C) assessment centers
D) structured interviews

Question 56

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI)and the Myers-Briggs test are examples of ________ tests.

A) projective
B) apperception
C) intelligence
D) achievement

Question 57

An interest inventory compares an applicant's current interests with the interests of ________.

A) retired workers
B) younger individuals
C) other people in the same industry
D) other people in various occupations

Question 58

________ tests include tests like finger dexterity,manual dexterity,and reaction time.

A) Motor ability
B) Personality
C) Achievement
D) Interest

Question 59

Red Robin Gourmet Burgers is a national restaurant chain with nearly 36,000 employees that began as a small restaurant in Seattle.Over the years,Red Robin has attempted to develop a reputation as a fun,family restaurant that offers both excellent food and service.Red Robin's core values-honor,integrity,having fun,and continually seeking knowledge-serve as the basis for all of the firm's decisions and are even embroidered on the sleeves of every employee's uniform.As Red Robin continues to expand,executives are considering adding tests to the screening process. Which of the following,if TRUE,would undermine the argument that Red Robin should use achievement tests in the employee selection process?

A) Red Robin provides a two-week training session to all new hires, which are frequently college students with little experience in the restaurant industry.
B) Red Robin requires applicants for cashier positions to take typing tests to assess their speed at the cash register.
C) Red Robin expects applicants for management positions to understand current EEO laws and be aware of ADA requirements.
D) Red Robin receives so many applications that it only considers individuals with previous job experience in the restaurant industry.

Question 60

Which of the following is NOT a "big five" personality dimension?

A) introversion
B) agreeableness
C) conscientiousness
D) emotional stability

Question 61

Marion Franklin is the CEO of a local real estate company,Action Realty.The community has seen an increase in population over the last 2 years,and new neighborhoods are being built as a result.Marion's staff of realtors is very busy,and Marion needs to hire a new agent.Although Marion has hired agents in the past,they have not always turned out to be as successful as she had hoped. Which of the following interview questions would most likely provide Marion with the highest validity and be the most useful for predicting job performance?

A) What steps do you go through to determine the best listing price for a home?
B) What would you do if your client did not clean his home for an open house?
C) What is the difference between assessed value and appraised value?
D) What do you like and dislike about selling real estate?

Question 62

What is the first step in conducting an effective interview?

A) studying the job description
B) asking situational questions
C) conducting a background check
D) establishing rapport with candidates

Question 63

Why is careful selection important? How can personnel tests and interviews improve the selection process?

Question 64

All of the following will most likely improve the structure and effectiveness of an interview EXCEPT ________.

A) using the same questions for all candidates
B) asking candidates to describe themselves
C) rating candidate answers against a scale
D) basing questions on actual job duties

Question 65

In a panel interview,a candidate is interviewed in a ________ fashion by a group of interviewers.

A) serial
B) sequential
C) simultaneous
D) systematic

Question 66

What type of interview would most likely include the statement,"Tell me about a time when you worked successfully in a team environment"?

A) situational
B) behavioral
C) subjective
D) puzzle

Question 67

What is a management assessment center? What else can managers use these centers for besides selection? Provide two examples of typical simulated exercises used in management assessment centers.

Question 68

Marion Franklin is the CEO of a local real estate company,Action Realty.The community has seen an increase in population over the last 2 years,and new neighborhoods are being built as a result.Marion's staff of realtors is very busy,and Marion needs to hire a new agent.Although Marion has hired agents in the past,they have not always turned out to be as successful as she had hoped. Which of the following questions would be relevant for Marion to ask if she wants an employee with extensive knowledge in real estate?

A) How do you handle sellers who believe their home is more valuable than it really is?
B) What are the loan options you would suggest for first-time home buyers?
C) What is the most frustrating aspect of being a realtor?
D) What motivated you to become a real estate agent?

Question 69

Dr.Ross is interviewing for a position as Assistant Professor of Biology.His interview is conducted by a team of faculty members who interview him simultaneously and then combine their ratings into one score.This is an example of a ________ interview.

A) serial
B) panel
C) sequential
D) mass

Question 70

Interest inventories are useful for career planning because they compare the interests of the test taker to the interests of those people in various occupations.

Question 71

Which question below is an example of a background question?

A) "Can you provide an example of a time when you developed a highly effective ad campaign?"
B) "What experience and training have you had with drafting designs for commercial buildings?"
C) "What is the procedure you would follow when examining a patient complaining of chest pain?"
D) "What steps would you follow to conduct a brainstorming session with a group of employees on safety?"

Question 72

The primary focus of the Global Competencies Inventory is to measure an individual's ________.

A) cognitive skills
B) level of adaptability
C) ability to learn a foreign language
D) degree of international knowledge

Question 73

Nonperformance or performance is usually the result of all of the following EXCEPT ________.

A) attitude
B) motivation
C) temperament
D) nationality

Question 74

What type of interview would most likely include the following statement? "Imagine that you have just been assigned the task of winning the business of our competition's biggest client.How would you proceed?"

A) situational
B) behavioral
C) puzzle
D) stress

Question 75

An employer wants to learn as much as possible about the cognitive abilities and job-based knowledge of candidates.What types of personnel tests would the employer most likely use? What types of interview questions would the employer most likely ask?

Question 76

Which of the following is a procedure designed to predict future job performance on the basis of applicants' oral responses to oral inquiries?

A) management game
B) work sample simulation
C) selection interview
D) management assessment center

Question 77

Consider the following question: "Can you give a work-related example of a specific instance where you provided leadership?" This is an example of a ________ question.

A) background
B) behavioral
C) situational
D) descriptive

Question 78

Which of the following statements is representative of what might be asked in a situational interview?

A) "Tell me about a time you showed leadership in a difficult situation."
B) "How have you handled ethical dilemmas in the past?"
C) "Suppose you were confronted with an angry customer who threatened to sue the company. What would you do?"
D) "In this position, you are responsible for hiring and firing subordinates. Have you ever fired anyone before? Tell me how you handled the situation."

Question 79

Which of the following is the most likely outcome of using the same questions with all candidates being interviewed?

A) revealing weaknesses
B) managing time
C) expressing interest
D) reducing bias

Question 80

Which question below is an example of a behavioral question?

A) "What would you do if you were asked a question during a sales presentation for which you did not know the answer?"
B) "What factors do you consider before underwriting an insurance policy for a new client?"
C) "What is your attitude about working with a sales team instead of independently?"
D) "Can you tell me about a time when you solved a really difficult problem?"