Sample interview questions: Can you explain the concept of differential prediction and how it is relevant in employment or educational settings?
Sample answer:
Differential prediction is a concept in psychometrics that refers to the phenomenon where a predictor test may be valid for one group of individuals but not for another. This can occur due to various factors, such as cultural bias, socioeconomic status, or gender differences.
In employment settings, differential prediction can have significant implications for hiring decisions. For example, if a cognitive ability test is used to select candidates for a job, it may be found to be valid for predicting job performance for one demographic group (e.g., White males) but not for another (e.g., Black females). This could lead to unfair hiring practices, as qualified candidates from the latter group may be excluded from the selection process.
In educational settings, differential prediction can also have a negative impact on students. For example, if a standardized test is used to place students in different educational tracks, it may be found to be biased against … Read full answer