Rethinking Cognitive Skills Testing for New Hires and Promotions

Guest post by: Ben Nash
Become an Author

Free PDF Download
Keeping the Change Process Cool - By Ben Nash

Hiring managers need to make accurate assessments about the cognitive capabilities of potential new hires and those up for promotion (e.g. handling complex information, identifying priorities, and making effective decisions). A hundred years of IQ testing has, however, distorted the image of cognitive assessment to the point where it has largely gone out of favor. No single score can reflect the complex interaction of cognitive, motivational, psychological and contextual factors that impact on thinking. Thus, cognitive assessment should accommodate for far more than the linear, logical-analytical thinking measured by IQ tests. Another “elephant in the room” with I.Q. testing is cross-cultural validity. The vast majority of I.Q. tests are written for and by people from Western European and American cultures. An alternative approach to traditional I.Q. testing is the Cognitive Process Profile (CPP). The CPP was developed to address the above issues and this assessment uses a number of techniques intended to reduce the impact of cross-cultural factors, for example:

“Thinking processes” as opposed to “verbal and non-verbal reasoning” outcomes are measured
Instead of requiring only logical-analytical thinking, the CPP allows for different cultural backgrounds and personality dispositions by accommodating for 15 different cognitive orientations, or styles
Provision is made for the individual to capitalize on auditory, visual and to some extent, kinesthetic modalities
Educational background influences are limited via the design of the methodology
Language requirements are low with no special credits given to grammar, vocabulary, etc.
Rater subjectivity is limited
Although computerized, the test is devised for people who are not computer literate

If you are interested in testing for the ability of new hires or people up for promotion to handle information effectively and make sound decisions (particularly important in mid to senior management positions) then check out the Cognitive Processes Profile—the results can provide critical insights that can predict success (or the alternative) for a candidate.

Using Pre-Employment Tests Can Save You Money

Clapping Hands Sharpens the Brain in Children

Executive Leaders: Hire for Attitude

Hiring Salespeople is Like Baseball Expansion

Importance of Testing in Software Development

Design your own Employment Test

More Ammunition for Outsourcing Lead Generation

Functional Testing in Software Development

Consider Randomized, Real Time Testing

Measuring the Quality of Your Hires

Maintaining High Emotional Intelligence for Employees

Home-based Business Idea: Legal/Medical Transcription Services

A Marketing Approach To Assess Training

Choosing a Split-Testing Platform That is Right For You

An Integrated Training Assessment Program

What are the Advantages to Learning Another Language?

Sales Leaders Need A Sales Process!

Outsourcing - It's Not Just for India

Testing Your Way to Website Profits

The Myth of Balance

Home > Human-Resources > Ben Nash > Rethinking Cognitive Skills Testing for New Hires and Promotions > Google +

Free PDF Download
Keeping the Change Process Cool - By Ben Nash

About the Author: Ben Nash

RSS for Ben's articles - Visit Ben's website

Ben Nash is the editor-in-chief of DailyHRTips.com. He is the founder and chief developer of the blog, providing tech/design support as well as tips and book reviews. Ben has held many interesting jobs in his professional career, including: barista, landscaper, public policy intern, barista (again), professional horse wrangler, ski lift attendant (aka "liftie"), political science teaching assistant, marketing and sales assistant, and an ecommerce/web developer. He also doubles as the Creative Director at Aspen Organization Development Consulting. Ben has interacted with many people, in many different organizations and offers some interesting insight on the human resources game. You can read his blog at http://www.DailyHRTips.com and visit his website at http://www.AspenOD.com.

Click here to visit Ben's website.

More from Ben Nash
Talent Communication and the BP Oil Spill
8 Best Practices for Online Learning
Turning a Cinderella Training Course Into a thing of Beauty
The Assessment of Intellectual Functioning in the Work Environment
Changing Your Ideas about Employee Motivation

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.

Share this post and you'll help support entrepreneurs in Africa through our partnership with Kiva. Over $50,000 raised and counting - Please keep sharing! Learn more.

Rethinking Cognitive Skills Testing for New Hires and Promotions

Related Articles

Related Forum Posts

Share this article. Fund someone's dream.


Name:
Email: