ULMS Electronic Module Catalogue

The information contained in this module specification was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change, either during the session because of unforeseen circumstances, or following review of the module at the end of the session. Queries about the module should be directed to the member of staff with responsibility for the module.
Title Psychological Assessment at Work
Code ULMS884
Coordinator Dr GT Fetzer
Work, Organisation and Management
G.Fetzer@liverpool.ac.uk
Year CATS Level Semester CATS Value
Session 2024-25 Level 7 FHEQ Second Semester 15

Pre-requisites before taking this module (other modules and/or general educational/academic requirements):

 

Modules for which this module is a pre-requisite:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on a required basis:

 

Programme(s) (including Year of Study) to which this module is available on an optional basis:

 

Teaching Schedule

  Lectures Seminars Tutorials Lab Practicals Fieldwork Placement Other TOTAL
Study Hours 12

12

      6

30
Timetable (if known)              
Private Study 120
TOTAL HOURS 150

Assessment

EXAM Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
             
CONTINUOUS Duration Timing
(Semester)
% of
final
mark
Resit/resubmission
opportunity
Penalty for late
submission
Notes
Individual assignment Standard UoL penalty applies Anonymously assessed There is a resit opportunity    100       

Aims

In order to meet the needs of Stage 1 of the BPS Qualification in Occupational Psychology, this module aims to development knowledge, critical understanding and practical skills in the area of psychological assessment at work. The module content aims to equip students with both theoretical and practical insight into the crucial role that assessment plays in organisations, from the point of pre-selection and recruitment, through to appraisal, performance management, learning and development and organisational change. Further, the module aims to provide students with the evidence-based knowledge and practical skills necessary to conduct an effective job analysis. The module will also cover a wide range of selection methods (for example, screening tools, employment interviews, psychometric testing, situational judgement tests, work sample tests, and assessment centres) and the evidence base for each of these. By critically examining the constructs of validity, reliability, utility and performance criteria, students will be able to make informed decisions regarding the suitability of different selection methods in specific contexts. Students will also gain an appreciation for the importance of diversity and fairness in selection and assessment design as well as the importance of considering candidate perceptions and experiences in ethical decision making. The module will be delivered via a series of lectures, seminars and a practical skills workshop. Assessment will comprise an individual assignment.

In order to consolidate the learning undertaken in this module, students will be provided with an opportunity to complete BPS-accredited Certificates in Occupational Test User Ability and Personality which will take place during the summer. However, the Test User course does not have any bearing on the credits or assessment associated with this module.


Learning Outcomes

(LO1) Students will be able to recognise and critique the strategic importance of assessment in organisations and the role that assessment processes play in pre-selection and recruitment, appraisal, promotion, training and talent management, through to the eventual impact on the wider organisation.

(LO2) Students will be able to understand and appraise key psychological and psychometric theories and models that inform best practice in assessment including individual differences in personality and cognitive ability, practical skills in psychometric test construction and the use of online testing and assessment.

(LO3) Students will be able to interpret methods of job analysis and apply practical skills in capability profiling and competency analysis.

(LO4) Students will be able to understand and critically evaluate different selection and assessment methods available to organisations using the concepts of reliability, validity, utility and performance criteria.

(LO5) Students will be able to understand the importance of fairness, diversity and candidate perspectives in the selection and design of assessment methods.

(S1) Teamwork. Students will be required to work together as a team to deliver group presentations on the module.

(S2) Ethical awareness. Students will be exposed to the BPS ethics framework and the responsibilities that employers have for equal opportunity, diversity and fairness in selection and assessment processes.

(S3) Problem solving. Students will be exposed to case studies and organisational problems and will develop solutions using module content.

(S4) Communication skills. Students will be expected to communicate effectively with their teammates and module facilitators in the development and delivery of their group presentation.

(S5) Numeracy. Students will develop quantitative skills by using psychometric data to examine the concepts of validity and reliability.

(S6) Digital literacy. Students will be required to develop engaging presentations through the use of various digital technologies and multi-media.

(S7) Commercial awareness. Students will gain an understanding of how psychometric and diagnostic tools are developed and used for commercial purposes, and will develop skills in test construction and pitching consultancy services to business.

(S8) International awareness. Students will be exposed to different cultural perspectives, norms and values by considering module content from a globalised international perspective.


Teaching and Learning Strategies

2 hour lecture x 6 weeks
2 hour seminar x 6 weeks
1 hour group learning x 6 weeks
120 hours self-directed learning


Syllabus

 

The module will introduce new subject matter not yet considered in the programme, and will cover the following indicative topics:

The strategic role of assessment for organisations and its impact on individuals;

The role of job analysis in selection and assessment – capability profiling and competency analysis;

Selection methods such as screening tools, employment interviews, psychometric testing, situational judgement tests, work sample tests, and assessment centres;

Standards for selecting assessment methods – validity, reliability, utility and performance criteria;

Individual differences – psychological theories of personality and cognitive ability;

Psychometric test construction and administration;

The consideration of diversity, fairness and candidate reactions in selection and assessment;

Psychological assessment in the context of appraisal and performance management;

Practitioner insights; key consider ations for the application of theory and methods in professional practice.


Recommended Texts

Reading lists are managed at readinglists.liverpool.ac.uk. Click here to access the reading lists for this module.