Time limit versus work limit methods of test administration

Abstract

Notes that the majority of mental alertness tests used in the employment situation are speed tests in which the time factor plays an important role. Those of us working in business and industry are sometimes asked whether such speed tests unduly penalize the "slow and accurate individual" who might be a very satisfactory worker. Some information relative to this question is presented. It is concluded that it appears that individuals performing relatively poorly on a mental alertness test under timed conditions will not appreciably change their standing in the group when permitted to complete the test with no time limit. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)