Become a critical test buyer
The Swedish test market is largely unregulated, which means that anyone can create, sell and interpret tests. Over 300 different industry and organizational psychology assessments flourish on the Swedish market and many of them have low predictive validity when it comes to demonstrating success in the workplace.
This means that you as a buyer should secure some basic facts in order to assess the quality of the different tests and know which questions a test supplier should be able to answer. In this way you will hopefully avoid substandard products and only acquire those tests that are clearly beneficial when used.
Kandidata's approach to testing
No matter how good the test is, we at Kandidata want to emphasize that no test is better than its administrator, practioneer and interpreter. The test results should always be handled by professionals in the field and relayed in a respectful dialogue with the respondent. Ethical guidelines for work psychological testing should be carefully followed.
Regardless of which test you are considering using, you should ask the test supplier if the test has been has undergone any kind of review. There are a number of different organizations and institutes that review tests, e.g. STP (Foundation for Applied Psychology), DNV (Den Norske Veritas), BPS (British Psychological Society) and Buros Center for Testing. The review of a test does not however guarantee that it is good or recommended, you should always ask for the examination protocol.
Kandidata’s tests are reviewed by the well-renowned Buros Center for Testing, who recommends the tests for use.
To consider when choosing a test
When it comes to commercial testing tools, most claim that their tests are “scientific” and “research-based”. But how can you be sure that you are choosing an evaluative tool that really works? Below are 10 principles that the industries experts use when they are choosing the most effective assessment tools.
1. Assess the reliability
- Can the results be repeated? Does the test assess the same thing every time?
2. Evaluate the validity
- Does the test measure what it is intended to measure?
3. Examine available norms
- Are there validated norms against which the individual test result can be interpreted?
4. Review the results
- Is there evidence that the test delivers the promised results?
5. Examine the theory
- Is the test based on established theoretical models?
6. Consider the customizability
- Can the test be adjusted for misleading answers?
7. Search for research and review reports
- Has the test been evaluated by independent experts?
8. Evaluate usability
- Is the test suited to your needs so that the results can come to practical use?
9. Review user requirements
- Does the test require the administrators to be trained and certified?
10. Consider the bigger picture
- Finns det en manual som beskriver alla ovanstående frågeställningar?