PSYC 656: Employee Selection
Prerequisite: PSYC 651 or permission of instructor
Credit Hours: (3)
Familiarizes students with selection methods such as structured interviews, cognitive ability, biodata, assessment centers, work samples, personality inventories and integrity tests. Covers techniques of combining predictors including multiple regression, multiple cutoffs, and multiple hurdles. Also focuses on methods of evaluating the validity, reliability, utility, and adverse impact of selection methods.
Detailed Description of Content of Course
This course integrates information from statistics, methods, organizational psychology, employment law, and measurement and applies it to current employee selection techniques. It familiarizes students with such selection methods as structured interviews, cognitive ability, biodata, assessment centers, work samples, personality inventories and integrity tests. It covers the theory and practice behind techniques of combining predictors of successful performance, including multiple regression, multiple cutoffs, and multiple hurdle strategies. It also focuses on methods of evaluating the validity, reliability, utility, and adverse impact of selection methods.
1. Decision Making in Employee Selection
2. Utility
3. Realistic Job Previews
4. Organizational Justice Issues in Employee Selection
5. Structured Interviews
6. Cognitive Ability
7. Biodata
8. Assessment Centers
9. Work Samples
10. Personality Assessment in Employee Selection
11. Integrity Testing
Detailed Description of Course
PSYC 556 will consist of lecture, student presentations and discussion. Emphasis will be on understanding and evaluating topics as to their relevance to employee selection and placement.
Goals and Objectives of the Course
Upon completion of this course, students should be able to:
1. Understand the advantages and disadvantages of numerous employee selection strategies.
2. Effectively summarize and present selection techniques.
3. Critique selection techniques in terms of the balance between scientific prediction and legal restrictions.
4. Develop a validation plan for a selection tool.
5. Justify the use of a selection technique in terms understandable to a client.
Assessment Measures
Assessment measures in this course may include:
1. Performance on midterm and final exams
2. Performance on weekly quizzes
3. Presentation of reading material
4. Performance on major course project(s)
5. Attendance
6. Participation
Other Course Information
If available, a client-based project may be conducted.
Review and Approval
2/10/98 New Course proposal
January 1999 Revisions to 656
Revised: May 7, 2009