Arbeits- & Organisationspsychologie at Universität Hamburg

Individual tests are administered to only one person at a time

Group tests are designed to be administered simultaneously to more than one person, with the administrator usually serving as only a test monitor.

Speed tests have a fixed time limit.

Typically, power tests have difficult items, with a focus on the percentage of items answered correctly.

“Paper-and-pencil tests” refers to both paper versions of tests and online tests, which require some form of written reply, in either a forced choice or an open-ended, “essay” format.

Performance tests, such as typing tests and tests of manual dexterity or grip strength, usually involve the manipulation of physical objects.

Tests of cognitive ability range from tests of general intellectual ability to tests of specific cognitive skills.

Designed to measure the ability to learn simple jobs, to follow instructions, and to solve work-related problems and difficulties.

One criticism of using general intelligence tests for employee selection is that they measure cognitive abilities that are too general to be effective predictors of specific job-related cognitive skills. However, research indicates that such general tests are reasonably good predictors of job performance

Standardized tests have also been developed to measure abilities in identifying, recognizing, and applying mechanical principles. These tests are particularly effective in screening applicants for positions that require operating or repairing machinery.

A number of tests measure specific motor skills or sensory abilities.

Various standardized tests also assess specific job skills or domains of job knowledge

Work Sample Tests used in job skill tests to measure applicants’ abilities to perform brief examples of important job tasks

Personality Tests instruments that measure psychological characteristics of individuals

Emotional Intelligence ability to understand, regulate, and communicate emotions and use them to inform thinking

Polygraphs instruments that measure physiological reactions presumed to accompany deception; also known as lie detectors