Assessment Council News
The ACN is IPAC's official newsletter. It serves as a source of information about significant activities of the council, a medium for member dialogue and information exchange, a method for the dissemination of research findings and a forum for the publication of letters and articles of general interest.
In the Current Issue
While back issues are available to everyone, the current ACN is available to IPAC members only. Highlights of the December 2011 ACN:
Situational Judgment Tests: An Overview of Current Research
By Deborah L. Whetzel and Teresa L. Russell, Human Resources Research Organization (HumRRO)
This paper provides an overview of research on Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs). We describe the method vs. construct distinction (i.e., SJTs are measurement methods that assess any number of constructs). We also describe their psychometric characteristics, including reliability, validity, and subgroup differences. Due to the multidimensional nature of SJTs, their reliability should not be assessed using internal consistency indicators. Meta-analytic research shows that validity is moderated by the kind of instructions given. We then describe research on video-based SJTs. Video-based SJTs are valid predictors of performance however, the cost of development must be considered when deciding to use such tests.
Legal Update
By Richard Tonowski, Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)
This has been an important year regarding class action employment discrimination suits, mostly favoring employers. We can now see how events are playing out following Wal-Mart v. Dukes.
The Annual James C. Johnson Student Paper Competition (2011-2012)
By Lee Friedman, University Liaison/Student Paper Committee Chair
IPAC is offering the James C. Johnson Student Paper Award that will recognize the achievements of students in the field of personnel management. Graduate, undergraduate, and former students are invited to submit research papers to be judged on the basis of their contribution to the field. The award winner will present the winning paper at IPAC's Annual Conference in Las Vegas, NV, July 22-25, 2012. The winner will receive up to $600 in conference related travel expenses, free conference registration, one-year membership in IPAC, and recognition in the widely read IPAC newsletter. In addition, the University Department where the student's research was completed will receive a $500 grant and a plaque commemorating the student's IPAC award achievement.
Submitting material to the ACN
Assessment Council members and others with letters or articles of interest are encouraged to submit materials for review and publication. Articles for inclusion in the ACN should be submitted directly to the Editor. If you have questions or need further information please contact the Editor.
Editor
Jayanthi Polaki
Director, Employment
The Community College of Baltimore County
Phone: 443-840-5638
Fax: 443-840-4877
E-Mail: jpolaki@ccbcmd.edu