The effectiveness of intelligence tests in the selection of workers

Abstract

To examine the hypothesis that intelligence tests will give either positive or zero predictions of occupational success, but will not give negative predictions, the authors reviewed 185 correlations between intelligence test score and some index of proficiency on the job. The hypothesis is supported for the 8 occupational groups studied, except sales clerks. There is a marked variation in findings reported by different investigators for each occupational group. Intelligence tests have been most useful in the selection of clerical workers and offer promise with supervisors, salesmen, and skilled workers. They are of little value for sales clerks, semiskilled and unskilled workers. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)