Note 1
The note observes the essentials of validity of evidence. It correctly observes the three main types of validity, that is, relationship based, criterion related and content based. Ideally, the validity of evidence is essential in noting the variables in data and information. The note takes the discussion to the extreme by illustrating some of the application of the validity evidence. For instance, in showing the relation based validation, the note examines the relationship between shark attacks and ice cream consumption in the beach. It is concluded based on credible evidence that the number of shark attacks were directly proportional to the consumption of ice cream in the beach. The study endeavored to understand this relationship and arrived at the conclusion that people visited the beach more in hot days attested by the high number of ice creams consumed and that on such occasion, more people were on the water body thus increasing the chances of attacks to sharks. This understanding is a good example of the relationship based validity.
Note 2
The note observes the characteristics of convergent evidence. Foremost, the note correctly notes that convergent testing uses two measures which have to relate to the underlying predictor. The measures are used to test the correlation with the underlying predictor. The measures equally have to possess two main characters. These are, they must be highly rated and must be consistent with the underlying predictor. This would be essential in arriving at the right decision in the tests. Further, the note observes that relation would be determined by the scores obtained in the tests. In that context, the test scores found a basis for arriving at the final outcome. The test items have to be examined for validity and this is undertaken by a deliberate testing process. In that context, the test is undertaken by subject matter experts who have the necessary and technical knowledge to arrive at the right conclusion. The correlation between the construct and the test items would be used in concluding on the validity of the evidence.
Note 3
The note appreciates the varying nature of fairness in employment. It observes and I do concur that fairness is relative and depends on the person commenting on it. Indeed, some of the varying views of fairness include the lack of bias, the equitable treatment in testing process, equality in outcomes for members in a group and the fact of being given an opportunity to learn. As the notes rightly observes, all the four mentioned views and indeed any modifications within the same foundation are important. This is for the simple reason that they carry in them essential components that would be helpful in arriving at employment decisions. These varying views represent the various opinions and feelings in the workplace hence the need for incorporating them in the workplace decision making. The foundation of fairness is based on the inclusive character of any decision. As the note observes all the people faced with similar circumstances should be treated in the same way. However, this rule is not cast in stone and envisages modifications where justifiable.
Note 4
The note observes that evidence is necessary to support validation. In that context, the narrative proceeds to argue that the evidence adduced in validation assumes a tripartite character. It takes the form of predictor scores relationship to the external variables or convergent evidence that is based on the fact that two measures are related or the fact of consistency with the underlying construct. The note correctly observes and asserts that the evidence adduced in support of validation need to be the best evidence and its authenticity and usefulness would only be proved if properly validated. In that context, it remains critical and important to obtain the relationship between the evidence and any of the three bases given. It would be equally useful if such evidence was applied in the overall workplace concerns. Finally, the note observes some of the key considerations that one needs to take care of. This includes the matter of design features among other critical considerations. In the long run, the evidence would be useful if it can validate which is the key use thereof.
Reflection
The matter of validation is essential and needs to be taken into consideration. Three critical methods suffice in this area of validation. These are, the content based relationship, the criterion based relationship and the convergent evidence. In the long run and for overall productivity, the validation process could be based on a mix of any of the three. On the other hand, it is equally essential to obtain the right blend in the area of employment fairness. This is because the varying views are all important and to some extent justifiable. In addition, these varying degrees represent the individual opinions that workers own. It would be essential for I/O psychologists to take these views into consideration so as to offer the best advice to the employer and employee clients in as much as the matters of fairness would be concerned. However, one common thread that cuts across is the issue of equal treatment for people in the same circumstances. This equal treatment can only be modified with reasonable justification.
References
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