Module 4: Utility Flashcards
Utility
usefulness or practical value of testing to improve efficiency
What can utility identify?
can tell us something about the practical value of the information derived from scores on the test
What can utility help with?
Helps us make better decisions
What makes higher utility?
Higher criterion-related validity = higher utility
What is one of the most basic elements in utility analysis?
One of the most basic elements in utility analysis is financial cost of the selection device
Cost
disadvantages, losses, or expenses both economic and noneconomic terms
Benefit
profits, gains or advantages
When does the cost of test administration become worth it?
The cost of test administration can be well worth it if the results is certain noneconomic benefits
Utility Analysis
family of techniques that entail a cost-benefit analysis designed to yield information relevant to a decision about the usefulness and/or practical value of a tool of assessment
Expectancy table
provide an indication that a testtaker will score within some interval of scores on
a criterion measure – passing, acceptable, failing
What might utility predict?
Might indicate future behaviors, then if successful, the test is working as it should
Taylor-Russel Tables
provide an estimate of the extent to which inclusion of a particular test in the selection system will improve selection
Selection Ratio
numerical value that reflects the relationship between the number of people to be hired and the number of people available to be hired
Selection Ratio Formula
number of hired candidates / total number of candidates
Base Rate
percentage of people hired under the existing system for a particular position
What is one limitation of Taylor-Russel Tables?
One limitation of Taylor-Russel Tables is that the relationship between the predictor (test) and criterion must be linear
Naylor-Shine Tables
entails obtaining the difference between the means of the selected and unselected groups to derive an index of what the test
is adding to already established procedures
Brogden-Cronbach-Gleser Formula
used to calculate the dollar amount of a utility gain resulting from the use of a particular selection instrument
Utility Gain
estimate of the benefit of using a particular test
Productivity Gains
an estimated increase in work output
What does it mean when a job is more complex?
The more complex the job, the more people differ on how well or poorly they do that job
Cut Score
reference point derived as a result of a
judgement and used to divide a set of data into two or more classifications
Types of Cut Scores
- Relative Cut Score
- Fixed Cut Scores
- Multiple Cut Scores
- Multiple Hurdle
- Compensatory Model of Selection
Relative Cut Score
reference point based on norm-related considerations (norm-referenced), not fixed per se
Fixed Cut Scores
set with reference to a judgement
concerning minimum level of proficiency required
e.g., Board Exams
Multiple Cut Scores
refers to the use of two or more cut scores with reference to one predictor for the purpose of categorization
Multiple Hurdle
multi-stage selection process, a cut score is in place for each predictor
Compensatory Model of Selection
assumption that high scores on one attribute can compensate for lower scores
Angoff Method
+ setting fixed cut scores
+ low interrater reliability
+ requires expert judges to discuss the issues involved in determining a pass mark and to evaluate the examination by using a well-defined and rational procedure
Known Groups Method
+ collection of data on the predictor of interest from group known to possess
and not possess a trait of interest
+ the determination of where to set cutoff score is inherently affected by the composition of contrasting groups
IRT-Based Methods
cut scores are typically set based on testtaker’s performance across all the items on the test
Types of IRT-Based Methods
- Item-Mapping Method
- Bookmark Method
Item-Mapping Method
arrangement of items in histogram, with each column containing items with deemed to be equivalent value
Bookmark Method
expert places “bookmark” between the two pages that are deemed to separate testtakers who have acquired the minimal knowledge, skills, and/or abilities from those who are not
Method of Predictive Yield
took into account the number of positions to be filled, projections regarding the likelihood of offer acceptance, and the distribution of applicant scores
Discriminant Analysis
shed light on the relationship between identified variables and two naturally occurring groups
What is discriminant analysis used for?
used by the researcher to analyze the research data when the criterion or the dependent variable is categorical and the predictor or the independent variable is interval in nature
What does discriminant analysis enable?
enables the researcher to examine whether significant differences exist among the groups, in terms of the predictor variables
What does the discriminant analysis identify?
identify two groups of people who represent two distinct categories of some trait
