Although the situation is relatively unstructured for the candidate, each candidate faces exactly the same complex set of problem situations. At the conclusion of the in-basket test, each candidate leaves behind a packet full of problem situations. At the conclusion of the in-basket test, each candidate leaves behind a packet full of notes, memos, letters, and so forth, which constitute the record of his behavior. The test then is scored (by describing, not evaluating, what the candidate did) in terms of the job-relevant characteristics enumerated at the outset. This is the major asset of the in-basket: It permits direct observation of individual behavior within the context of a highly job relevant, yet standardized, problem situation.