Psychometrics and Testing Costs

Psychometrics and Testing Costs

Discussion Board Question:

As noted in the chapter, it is seldom possible to have the lowest false positive rate, the lowest false negative rate, and the highest hit rate without incurring any costs of testing. The coexistence of the lowest selection costs, the highest hit rate, and the lowest miss rate is usually not in the cards. In many instances, test users must make a judgment, for example, about the respective desirability of different types of “misses.” Is a possible false negative preferable over a false positive? Is a possible false positive preferable over a false negative? Let’s ponder these questions…

In each of the scenarios described below, assume that thee test mentioned is valid for predicting success on the criterion of interest. Your task is to express an opinion about the relative desirability of a false negative and a false positive, and then explain the reasoning that led to that opinion. So, for each of the situations given, respond to the question, “Is a false negative preferable over a false positive?” Your response should also address the question of whether a false positive is preferable over a false negative.

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Psychometrics and Testing Costs

The following are the different scenarios:

Using a test of basic math skills to select grocery store cashiers

Using an integrity test to select bank teller trainees

Using the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or the American College Testing (ACT) to select college students

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Using letters of recommendation to select students for a scholarship

Using the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory (MMPI) to determine whether an individual needs psychological treatment

Using a test of physical ability to select firefighters

Using a drug test in the selection of airline pilots