Psychometric assessments have become a common jargon. The scientific nature of psychometric tests to make them seem complex. Do you wonder what exactly psychometric assessments are and how they are beneficial in different scenarios?
In this blog article, we shall simplify and breakdown what are psychometric assessments and how they are used by corporate organizations and by career counsellors for students. Lastly, we shall explore why psychometric assessments are a reliable method of evaluation.
What Are Psychometric Assessments?
The word psychometric literally means measurements. The science of psychology operates on the basis of clear criteria and standardized measurement scales. Psychometric assessments aim to measure and quantify an individual’s aptitude and personality type.
Furthermore, psychometric assessments comprise of measuring an individual’s numerical ability, verbal ability, logical reasoning and critical thinking amongst many others. These measurements give insights into an individual’s behaviour, predict their future behavior on the basis of their responses to the test and their mental capabilities. Which may not be apparent through mere observations or interviews.
Psychometric Assessments Are Used In The Following Scenarios:
- Psychometric Assessments for Corporate Organizations:
Corporate organisations use psychometric assessments for the purpose of recruitment and hiring of staff. Additionally, for selection of candidates for leadership roles. Using scientific and evidence backed data collected from psychometric assessments for hiring candidate’s benefits organizations because they are able to streamline the selection process and hire suitable candidates for the roles that have a close match to the skills and qualifications required to succeed in the given role. Thus, maximizing organizations efficiency and smoothening the hiring process.
For example, an organisation wants to hire candidates for the role of sales executive. By conducting a psychometric evaluation of the selected candidates. The interviewer gets reliable data on the individuals characteristics and predictive behaviors in different scenarios. Their level of persuasion skills, social confidence and ability to perform under pressure are key factors determining their success in the role of sales executive. Evaluations gained from psychometric assessments are unbiased in nature. Since, these skills cannot be accurately gauged by interviews alone and there is a possibility of personal bias of the interviewer.
- Psychometric assessments for students in career counselling:
A typical career counselling session at Serene Hour, consists of psychologist Sherene Chaz, taking a detailed counselling session on your academic background, your cultural background, your personal goals and your current and future aspirations. Next, a psychometric assessment is administered by the psychologist. The battery of tests may include an aptitude assessment, personality assessment, learning styles and various other relevant tests. The results of the psychometric assessment combined with the counselling session conducted with the psychologist allows her to accurately understand your aptitude and skills and create a holistic and scientific report.
For instance, the child may indicate a deep fear for numbers, but the assessments may indicate that they may be excellent with business math and formulas. Just weak in other areas such as algebra or linear equations. A knowledgeable and insightful psychologist conducts further observations to understand what kind of career paths are suited to this child vs the ones that may not be suited to the child’s intelligences. While understanding the students career interests. For example, preference for working with people or engaging in artistic activities. Furthermore, psychometric assessment can help to explain why some people are well suited to some kinds of work environments or situations while others are not.
Why Psychometric Assessments Are A Reliable Method of Evaluation?
While it is tempting to rely on simplistic, feel-good evaluations based on your fingerprint or by the readings of planets made by an astrologer. These findings do not have the accuracy, or the scientific reliability of a psychometric assessment conducted by a trained and certified psychologist.
Firstly, the difference between data gained from a psychometric assessment versus the data gained from a fingerprint or astrology charts is that psychometric assessments are based on standardized administration of the test. The accuracy of a psychometric test is gained from the standardized administration and scoring. Moreover, psychometric assessments use a large sample of data to establish norms as a process for comparison with other test takers.
Secondly, it is proven in psychology that the environmental factors have a major influence on shaping a child’s intelligence and personality type along with their genetic predispositions. For example, a child may be born with genes for exceptional genetic intelligence, but if that child grows up in a deprived environment where they are malnourished and lack access to educational opportunities. It is very likely that they may not score well on IQ and aptitude tests because the child lacked the conducive environment to nurture their genetic intelligence.
Hence, tools such fingerprint analysis or astrology are not reliable or accurate because they do not take into account the environmental factors, and neither are they standardised in nature. Put simply, genetics may provide us with an intellectual capacity, but our environment determines if we reach our potential.
FAQ about What Are Psychometric Assessments?
What is the right age to take a psychometric assessment?
For students the right age to undertake psychometric assessments is between the ages of 12 years to 18 years. Adults can undertake personality based psychometric assessments at any age.
What are the types of psychometric tests?
Psychometric assessments are mainly of two types: Personality assessments and Aptitude assessments. Such as, the General Battery of Aptitude Test (GABT) and SHL Occupational Personality Questionnaire.
Which is the best psychometric test for students in India?
Serene Hour Counselling and Career Advice Consultancy is the best psychometric assessment administrators in India. The psychologist Sherene Chaz is a certified Psychometric Assessor by the British Psychological Society (BPS).
Concluding Thoughts
In conclusion, psychometric assessment conducted by a trained psychologist are not only effective but highly reliable and accurate sources of information regarding an individual’s aptitude and personality. Psychometric assessments have a large scope of use. They are not just used in the field of education and career selection. They are an excellent tool for corporate organizations for their hiring and recruitment process.
Lastly the standardized administration of the tests along with the scoring makes psychometric tests reliable and accurate form of evaluation over bogus tests such as fingerprints and astrology.
Read More about: Why Is Career Counselling Beneficial For Children?