An interview approach to work sample criterion measurement

Abstract

A variety of measurement techniques have been used to assess job proficiency, including hands-on work sample tests, job knowledge tests, and ratings. The current research effort examined the viability of an interview approach to work sample criterion measurement. Hands-on and interview work sample measures were developed and administered to 1,491 enlisted personnel in 8 Air Force specialties. Job-level analyses yielded moderate (.46) to high (.84) correlations but produced significant mean differences (6 of 8 specialties) between the 2 techniques. In addition, the patterns of relationships between each work sample test and a series of related performance, aptitude, and experience measures were found to be quite similar, and the magnitudes of these correlations were similar to those in studies reported previously. In contrast, task-level analyses yielded considerable variability in correlational values ( r s ranged from .19 to .97) and mean differences (39 of 64 mean comparisons were significantly different). Results are discussed in terms of the usefulness of interview testing as a work sample measurement methodology for different personnel functions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)