Exploring the perceptions of the use of different modes of psychometric assessment by industrial psychology professionals

Abstract

Psychometric assessment is a sub-discipline in Industrial Psychology, and it plays an integral role in decision-making processes on an individual, group and organisational level. Due to technological advances, the assessment arena has evolved, and over the years many developments have come into being. Not only has the fourth Industrial revolution accelerated the speed at which these advancements are applied in the field of Industrial Psychology; the COVID-19 pandemic and world-wide lockdown has also affected the manner in which assessments are administered. This means that Industrial Psychology professionals need to be agile and keep the pace to ensure that high-quality standards in assessments are still achieved in this digital age. Psychometric assessments can be administered in different assessment modes (i.e. paper-and-pencil assessments, computerised assessments and gamified assessments). Multiple considerations and factors are associated with each assessment mode, especially when applied in the context of South Africa, which is known for its rich diversity. The objective of this study was to explore and describe the perceptions of Industrial Psychology professionals with regard to the use of the different modes of psychometric assessments in the digital age. A qualitative research design was employed in this study based on an interpretivist paradigm. A combination of purposive and snowball sampling techniques was used for data-collection purposes. Data were gathered from Industrial Psychology professionals working either in private practice or in an organisation (N=21). The data were collected by using written qualitative surveys via the QuestionPro platform. The researcher employed a thematic analysis for analysing the data. The results indicated that all participants prefer using different psychometric assessment modes for various reasons and purposes such as recruitment and selection, development, career guidance, medico-legal assessments etc. Most participants indicated that they prefer to

use computerised assessments. Only the minority of the participants mentioned that they use gamified assessments; it is new to the market, and Industrial Psychology professionals require more knowledge of this assessment mode. The results of this study also highlighted the potential benefits and challenges associated with paper-and-pencil, computerised and gamified assessments as perceived by Industrial Psychology professionals working in their own practices or in organisations. Recommendations were also made for future research and practice. Some of the recommendations made by Industrial Psychology professionals are made to psychometric assessment test publishers and higher education institutions.