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Feb 10, 2026
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Understanding Testing and Assessment in IO Psychology
R
Rachel Campanile
@rachelcampanile_ievt
1 / 5
Foundations of Assessment
Assessment is a systematic way to measure characteristics and describe them using numbers or categories. These assessments come from two main sources: custom-made tests developed for specific positions or pre-existing assessments purchased from testing companies.
When choosing assessments, it's important to understand the difference between speed tests and power tests. Speed tests have strict time limits where you try to complete as many simple items as possible (like typing tests), while power tests give you adequate time to tackle fewer, more complex problems (like the SAT).
Quick Tip: Only use speed tests when being fast is actually important for the job! Otherwise, power tests better measure true ability.
The right assessment depends on what you're trying to measure. All assessments have two critical aspects: the content (what attribute is being measured) and the process (how it's being measured). Both factors affect how useful and accurate the test results will be.
Types of Assessments
Tests can be classified in several useful ways that help us understand their purpose and limitations. First, consider whether the test is administered to individuals or groups. Individual tests (like interviews) can only be given to one person at a time, while group tests (like standardized exams) can be given to multiple people simultaneously.
The format also matters significantly. Paper and pencil tests have people document their answers in writing, making them ideal for measuring knowledge and traits. Performance tests require people to demonstrate behaviors, like using a flight simulator, making them perfect for assessing skills and procedural knowledge.
Remember: The right assessment method depends on what you're measuring! Use performance tests when you need to see if someone can actually do something, not just know about it.
When selecting tests, consider both practicality and effectiveness. Individual tests provide deeper insight into how someone approaches problems but cost more. Group testing is more cost-effective but might miss certain aspects of performance. The goal is finding the right balance for your specific needs.
Assessment Content
What's actually on a test matters tremendously for its validity. Tests measure various attributes, with integrity being a particularly important one in employment settings. Integrity tests measure a person's honesty and tendency to engage in counterproductive behaviors, either through direct questions or by examining personality traits.
Another common assessment content is biodata (biographical information). This collects details about someone's personal history, ranging from basic employment information to broader life experiences. While biodata can be highly predictive, it must be job-relevant to avoid legal challenges.
Important: The content of your assessment directly impacts its validity, while the process affects reliability, practicality, and legal considerations.
The recipe analogy helps understand assessment: content is like the ingredients (what you're measuring), while process is the method (how you're measuring it). Both elements must work together to create an effective assessment system.
Assessment Methods
Interviews are among the most popular assessment techniques, used by 80-90% of organizations. They come in two main varieties: unstructured (flexible questions, subjective interpretation) and structured (standardized questions and scoring based on job analysis). While managers often prefer unstructured interviews, structured ones typically provide more valid results and reduce bias.
Assessment centers offer a comprehensive approach by having candidates complete a series of short exercises evaluated by trained assessors. These might include in-basket exercises (prioritizing daily tasks) or leaderless group discussions. While effective predictors of performance, they can be expensive and time-consuming.
Pro Tip: Structured interviews with consistent questions and scoring criteria provide much more reliable results than casual conversations, even if they feel less natural.
Work samples provide a realistic preview by having candidates perform job-relevant tasks in replicated work settings. These high-fidelity simulations are excellent predictors but can be costly to create. For a more affordable alternative, situational judgment tests present scenarios and ask candidates to choose their preferred response, offering reasonable predictive power with less expense.
The Assessment Framework
Assessment systems connect predictors (what we measure) with criteria (what we want to predict). This relationship is foundational to effective testing and selection processes. Situational judgment tests exemplify this connection by presenting realistic scenarios that reflect job challenges.
The assessment framework starts with job analysis to identify critical job tasks, which informs the job specification (required knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics). This creates a pathway from the latent predictor domain to the latent performance domain.
Big Picture: Effective assessments bridge the gap between what we can measure now and the future performance we want to predict.
Understanding this framework helps you select or design tests that truly measure what matters for success. The best assessments are those that connect most directly to the actual requirements of the job or educational goal, providing accurate predictions while being fair and practical.
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You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
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This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
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Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
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I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
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Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
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I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
Understanding Testing and Assessment in IO Psychology
R
Rachel Campanile
@rachelcampanile_ievt
Testing and assessment are essential tools in education and employment, helping to measure individual differences, evaluate performance, and inform organizational decisions. This systematic approach to measurement allows us to quantify abilities, knowledge, and traits using numerical scales or categories.
Foundations of Assessment
Assessment is a systematic way to measure characteristics and describe them using numbers or categories. These assessments come from two main sources: custom-made tests developed for specific positions or pre-existing assessments purchased from testing companies.
When choosing assessments, it's important to understand the difference between speed tests and power tests. Speed tests have strict time limits where you try to complete as many simple items as possible (like typing tests), while power tests give you adequate time to tackle fewer, more complex problems (like the SAT).
Quick Tip: Only use speed tests when being fast is actually important for the job! Otherwise, power tests better measure true ability.
The right assessment depends on what you're trying to measure. All assessments have two critical aspects: the content (what attribute is being measured) and the process (how it's being measured). Both factors affect how useful and accurate the test results will be.
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Types of Assessments
Tests can be classified in several useful ways that help us understand their purpose and limitations. First, consider whether the test is administered to individuals or groups. Individual tests (like interviews) can only be given to one person at a time, while group tests (like standardized exams) can be given to multiple people simultaneously.
The format also matters significantly. Paper and pencil tests have people document their answers in writing, making them ideal for measuring knowledge and traits. Performance tests require people to demonstrate behaviors, like using a flight simulator, making them perfect for assessing skills and procedural knowledge.
Remember: The right assessment method depends on what you're measuring! Use performance tests when you need to see if someone can actually do something, not just know about it.
When selecting tests, consider both practicality and effectiveness. Individual tests provide deeper insight into how someone approaches problems but cost more. Group testing is more cost-effective but might miss certain aspects of performance. The goal is finding the right balance for your specific needs.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
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Assessment Content
What's actually on a test matters tremendously for its validity. Tests measure various attributes, with integrity being a particularly important one in employment settings. Integrity tests measure a person's honesty and tendency to engage in counterproductive behaviors, either through direct questions or by examining personality traits.
Another common assessment content is biodata (biographical information). This collects details about someone's personal history, ranging from basic employment information to broader life experiences. While biodata can be highly predictive, it must be job-relevant to avoid legal challenges.
Important: The content of your assessment directly impacts its validity, while the process affects reliability, practicality, and legal considerations.
The recipe analogy helps understand assessment: content is like the ingredients (what you're measuring), while process is the method (how you're measuring it). Both elements must work together to create an effective assessment system.
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Assessment Methods
Interviews are among the most popular assessment techniques, used by 80-90% of organizations. They come in two main varieties: unstructured (flexible questions, subjective interpretation) and structured (standardized questions and scoring based on job analysis). While managers often prefer unstructured interviews, structured ones typically provide more valid results and reduce bias.
Assessment centers offer a comprehensive approach by having candidates complete a series of short exercises evaluated by trained assessors. These might include in-basket exercises (prioritizing daily tasks) or leaderless group discussions. While effective predictors of performance, they can be expensive and time-consuming.
Pro Tip: Structured interviews with consistent questions and scoring criteria provide much more reliable results than casual conversations, even if they feel less natural.
Work samples provide a realistic preview by having candidates perform job-relevant tasks in replicated work settings. These high-fidelity simulations are excellent predictors but can be costly to create. For a more affordable alternative, situational judgment tests present scenarios and ask candidates to choose their preferred response, offering reasonable predictive power with less expense.
Sign up to see the contentIt's free!
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
The Assessment Framework
Assessment systems connect predictors (what we measure) with criteria (what we want to predict). This relationship is foundational to effective testing and selection processes. Situational judgment tests exemplify this connection by presenting realistic scenarios that reflect job challenges.
The assessment framework starts with job analysis to identify critical job tasks, which informs the job specification (required knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics). This creates a pathway from the latent predictor domain to the latent performance domain.
Big Picture: Effective assessments bridge the gap between what we can measure now and the future performance we want to predict.
Understanding this framework helps you select or design tests that truly measure what matters for success. The best assessments are those that connect most directly to the actual requirements of the job or educational goal, providing accurate predictions while being fair and practical.
We thought you’d never ask...
What is the Knowunity AI companion?
Our AI companion is specifically built for the needs of students. Based on the millions of content pieces we have on the platform we can provide truly meaningful and relevant answers to students. But its not only about answers, the companion is even more about guiding students through their daily learning challenges, with personalised study plans, quizzes or content pieces in the chat and 100% personalisation based on the students skills and developments.
Where can I download the Knowunity app?
You can download the app in the Google Play Store and in the Apple App Store.
Is Knowunity really free of charge?
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
I think it’s very much worth it and you’ll end up using it a lot once you get the hang of it and even after looking at others notes you can still ask your Artificial intelligence buddy the question and ask to simplify it if you still don’t get it!!! In the end I think it’s worth it 😊👍 ⚠️Also DID I MENTION ITS FREEE YOU DON’T HAVE TO PAY FOR ANYTHING AND STILL GET YOUR GRADES IN PERFECTLY❗️❗️⚠️
Thomas R
iOS user
Knowunity is the BEST app I’ve used in a minute. This is not an ai review or anything this is genuinely coming from a 7th grade student (I know 2011 im young) but dude this app is a 10/10 i have maintained a 3.8 gpa and have plenty of time for gaming. I love it and my mom is just happy I got good grades
Brad T
Android user
Not only did it help me find the answer but it also showed me alternative ways to solve it. I was horrible in math and science but now I have an a in both subjects. Thanks for the help🤍🤍
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
I found this app a couple years ago and it has only gotten better since then. I really love it because it can help with written questions and photo questions. Also, it can find study guides that other people have made as well as flashcard sets and practice tests. The free version is also amazing for students who might not be able to afford it. Would 100% recommend
Aubrey
iOS user
Best app if you're in Highschool or Junior high. I have been using this app for 2 school years and it's the best, it's good if you don't have anyone to help you with school work.😋🩷🎀
Marco B
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE Knowunity AI. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This app is phenomenal down to the correct info and the various topics you can study! I greatly recommend it for people who struggle with procrastination and those who need homework help. It has been perfectly accurate for world 1 history as far as I’ve seen! Geometry too!
Paul T
iOS user