] EMPLOYMENT PSYCHOLOGY
guidance and placement, in gaging abilities with reference to
a number of occupations. For vocational selection, however,
a total score has much more predictive value, is easier to
obtain, and is less subject to individual errors. If the inves-
tigator merely wishes to know the number of tests in which
the person obtains a high score, he will find that this is
expressed better numerically. The profile method has the
advantage of graphic presentation, but a graphic method of
presenting a total score may also be easily devised.
Another way of predicting from a battery of tests is to
give the most valid and reliable test first. If the applicant’s
score in ‘this test clearly predicts success, the applicant is
hired. If it clearly predicts failure, the applicant is re-
jected. If it leaves the matter in doubt, the series of tests is
continued until success or failure is unequivocally predicted.
But if the applicant is accepted, the series should be com-
pleted in order that there may be no serious gaps in test rec-
ords when the check-up of predictions is made later on. This
method has little to recommend it over a total score.
The same statistical methods of evaluation and prediction
may be applied to the total score as to scores in any single
test. The total score should, of course, have more predictive
value than the score in any one test.
This completes our outline of statistical procedures useful
in determining the reliability and the validity of the tests
and in securing from them their maximum predictive value.
We shall now consider what economic savings these predic-
tions imply,
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