A psychological test is an objective & standardized measure of a sample behavior from which inferences about future behavior & performance of the candidate are drawn. Tests provide a systematic procedure for sampling human behavior. These test are based on the assumption that no two individuals are equal in terms of intelligence, attitudes, personality, & other relate traits ones characteristics with others are measured through these tests.
Types of Selection tests • Aptitude Test • Achievement Test • Personality Test • Interest Test
1. Aptitude Tests or Potential Ability Tests: These tests measure the latent ability or potential of a candidate. Peculiarities or defects in a person's or intellectual capacity can be detected through these tests. These focus attention on a particular type of talent such as reasoning, learning, mechanical bent of mind. They are totally depending on the nature of job as the criteria of these are differing from job to job.
Types of Aptitude Tests
Mental / Intelligence Tests: These tests measure the overall intellectual capacity (IQ) of the candidates. These reveals an individual is capable to deal with the new problems. Intelligence tests measure the ability to understand instructions & to make decisions. They determine a candidate's word fluency. Memory, inductive reasoning, comprehension, speed and perception & visualization.
Mechanical Tests: These tests measure a candidate's capacity to do a particular type of mechanical work. These are useful for selecting apprentices, machinists, mechanics, maintenance workers, & technicians. So, these are for lower level personnel's who are with the jobs of operating jobs. Perceptual speed, manual dexterity, visual insights, specialized knowledge for techniques, problem solving ability, technical vocabulary, etc are judged in these tests.
Psycho-motor or Skill Tests: These tests measure a candidate's ability to perform specific job.