1. Chance Levels
Chance levels are indicated by a warning on the screen. It is essential to ask questions to find out reasons for any
poor test performance, especially if the other test scores are high. If there are doubts about whether the person
has had an adequate understanding of test instructions, then a complete re-test is a possibility provided that such
a decision does not give an unfair advantage to someone who is initially a low scorer for other reasons.
Alternatively it may be best to assess the candidate on evidence other than that provided by the test programme.
In all such cases great care is needed in interpreting the overall percentile.
2. Pronounced Highs and Lows
When the profile of test scores shows one or more pronounced highs or lows, then some inconsistency in
performance is evident. A skilfully conducted interview should try to find out the reason for discrepancies, without
upsetting the candidate by inadvertently suggesting that a "low" score is a failure. In many cases it is not. Where a
low score is probed to find out if it can be explained satisfactorily, the interview must be tactfully handled to avoid
giving the impression that a single test has been sufficient to disqualify the person for a job or impair his
development potential. In most instances such should not be the case. When evaluating pronounced highs and
lows, the individual tests should be looked at carefully and employers should decide whether slow, careful
unsupervised work is preferable to faster more error-laden task completion.
3. General Recommendations on Fair Practice
a) Explain procedures and practices before administering the T.S.T. and ensure that the candidate understands. b)
Never offer test results as the reason for non-acceptance. c) In the event of any person declaring a
cultural/linguistic and/or specific disability disadvantage, use the T.S.T. as a screen without prejudice to the rest of
the process. d) Tests and inventories should never be used in isolation to justify redundancy decisions. Such use
could be construed as unfair.
For further information on fair practices refer to the Thomas leaflet Fair Recruitment and Appraisal Methods at
Work, included in all Thomas seminar materials.
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