Can psychometric tests replace conventional methods of assessing people?
The answer to this is partly yes and partly no. Properly developed and valid psychometric tests can certainly replace less reliable and valid techniques. For example, unstructured interviews when used to assess both ability and personality are certainly far less effective than psychometric methods. Judgements about a person’s ability solely on the basis of their educational qualifications also leave much to be desired and are far better done by means of tests. However, tests and questionnaires can only provide part of the picture. Their principal function is as a supplement to both traditional methods and other objective methods of assessment. A balanced assessment program, depending on the purposes to be achieved, should include structured interviews, tests and questionnaires and objective assessments of behaviour (for example structured exercises, role-plays and other observation methods). Back to top Why use ability tests when a personality test can tell you all you need to know If
