Ergometrics' Fairness
Ergometrics has knowledge and expertise in the development of fair and objective screening procedures. Following are key aspects in our approach to provide systems with the maximum predictive power and fairness:
- Extensive job analysis
- Identifying and measuring the full range of critical skills and behaviors
- Development of test materials that require no prior training or experience
- Extensive subject matter expert input and review
- Detailed item analyses
- Professional validation studies
Emphasis on video and other techniques for developing simulations is Ergometrics' cornerstone in the process of creating fair, job related tests. Simulations also provide the best measurement of judgment and human interaction skills, which are often critical to job performance. Video testing has been used for over 30 years and is widely supported as a testing methodology that is superior to written tests. Ergometrics’ simulation tests:
- Show consistent, overall lower adverse impact than written tests.
- Are not dependent on an applicant’s reading ability or prior experience.
- Are the fairest way to assess applicants from diverse backgrounds.
- Are the best measurement of judgment and human interaction skills with less adverse impact than written tests.
Ergometrics is also highly experienced with fairness as related to setting a passing score or cut score. We provide recommended cut scores on our tests so applicants are screened out in the fairest manner possible. Setting a cut score is a complex process that may vary based on various factors related to specific organizations or occupations. We recognize the complexity of this issue and examine many factors during this rigorous process. We consider:
- Type of exam
- Validation information
- Incumbent performance on the exam
- SME input and Angoff ratings
- Test and item characteristic statistics
- Selection ratio of applicants to openings
- Number of other tests or hurdles in the process
- Diversity in the applicant population and organizational goals
Ergometrics provides a national cut score recommendation for each of our products. However, it is certainly justifiable to alter cut scores based on department specific information. Ergometrics can participate in detailed discussions with departments to determine an optimum cut score for each of our exams.
