Psychology 656

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