Psychometric test is used for measuring the mental condition of an individual. It is a combination of two words, i.e. ‘psycho’ (mental and metric) and ‘measurement’. It comes under the field of psychology. It is a type of test which study the feelings, behaviour and thought of individual.
It is a scientific and standard method which is used to measure the behaviour and mental capacity of an individual. These are designed for measuring the suitability of a person for a specific role. It identifies that the mental ability and of an individual are matched with required abilities or skills for performing a job or not. Employer uses this type of test for measuring the hidden skills and qualities of employee which are difficult to find out during an interview.
Various job applicants believed that psychometric test is not a good measure for assessing their real capabilities and personalities. Moreover, these tests are unbiased and are statistically designed. It is performed by using a standard method of assessment for every individual so that everyone is treated equally. These tests are reliable in measuring an individual’s performance. The report of this test provides an accurate evaluation of the applicants. However, it does not mean that an individual can improve their performance without improving their actions and skills.
In psychometric test, there is a strong relationship between job performance and test scores. For example, when an individual’s test score is high then the chances that he/she performs well in job is also high The predictive qualities of employees makes psychometric test attractive.
Thus, the psychometric test is term which covers both personality profiling and ability testing. The types of psychometric tests are as follows:
- Verbal reasoning.
- Inductive reasoning.
- Logical reasoning.
- Situational reasoning.
- Deductive reasoning.
- Mechanical reasoning.
- Critical thinking.
- Diagrammatic reasoning.
- Numerical reasoning.
Uses of Psychometric Tests
Uses of psychometric tests are as follow:
1) Selection of Personnel: This test is used by the recruiter for the purpose of selection of personnel It includes personality test, knowledge test and aptitude test.
2) Individual Development and Training: An individual can improve his performance and skill with the help of this test. For example, when an organization introduces a new technology then it might be helpful for people to assess their interests and motivations about the new technology. California Measure of Mental Motivation and Business Attitude Inventory are the examples of psychometric tests. It can also use aptitude test and skills test for examining an individual‘s capability.
3) Team Building and Development: Psychometric tests are also used for team building and development. When people understand others then they may build positive and strong relationships with others. Myers -Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) and California Personality Inventory (CPI) are the general personality assessment tools which are helpful in team building.
4) Career Development and Progression: This test is helpful for career development of employees. People may uncover its interest and values that are important for their overall career satisfaction.
Significance of Psychometric Tests
The significance of psychometric tests is as follows:
1) Objectivity: Psychometric testing is objective in nature. Hiring people based on CV’s and interviews might be biased in some conditions. Psychometric testing removes this biasness as it provides a standardized test for all employees of the organization.
2) Accuracy: It allows a recruiting firm to assess the capability of individuals, analyzing information, solve problems, and for making judgments. This data is helpful for making a comparison between candidates.
3) Speed: Psychometric test saves time. Although small organization receives a large number of applicants for open positions thus, it will take time to screen all the candidates. It allows organizations to reduce their applicant pools by choosing candidates according to the needs of the organization.