April 8, 2013, 8:00:00 PM EDT
The annual conference of the Society for Industrial and Organizational
Society (SIOP), held in Houston, Texas in 2013 included an unprecedented
7 sessions addressing the use of simulation technology in assessment.
Presenters at these sessions represented more than 20 different
corporations and 10 different universities, sharing their thoughts on
the rapid
adoption of simulation technology in the testing industry.
Several of the more noteworthy sessions included the following:
IGNITE Lightning Round: Simulations and Personal Selection
Synopsis: The
science and practice of employee selection has advanced at a steady
pace over the past 2 decades. However, recent advancements in both
technology and assessment methods has resulted in an evolutionary leap
in simulations. This IGNITE panel discussion provides a fast-paced,
state-of-the-art overview of simulation technologies.
Innovations in Assessment: How Computer Animation Transforms Testing
Synopsis: Organizations
are using computer animation and high-definition avatars to select job
candidates at increasing rates. Although the benefits of using such
assessments are numerous, empirical research appears to be lagging. The
presentations in this symposium will describe applicant reactions,
attitudes, motivation, and test performance as they relate to multimedia
SJTs.
Proposing a Taxonomy for Simulation Tests
Synopsis: This
study proposes a general taxonomy for simulation tests in order to
facilitate understanding and discussion of their psychometric
properties. Generalizability theory is used to explain how the
dimensions under this taxonomy determine reliability and validity of the
tests. Findings can help researchers and practitioners in evaluating
and developing simulation tests.
Innovations in Online Simulations: Design, Assessment, and Scoring Issues
Synopsis: The
presentations in this symposium focus on design- and
measurement-related innovations in online, simulation-based assessment.
These innovations relate to the construction of the scenario itself,
including evoking targeted competencies through a variety of question
types and how customized branching increases the realism of virtual
role plays and other related assessments.
The WOW! Factor: Design 101 for Technology-Delivered Tests
Synopsis:Â Innovative
item types are becoming more prevalent among electronically delivered
assessments. Practitioners are wooed by the wide range of possibilities
in terms of graphical enhancement of items. Adding too much pizzazz, or wow, however, can have unintended consequences. Experienced panelists
provide an overview of UI design principles.
New Frontiers in Simulations for Selection: What's New? What's Next?
Synopsis: This
panel will promote the sharing of innovative uses of job-related
simulations for selection of employees in professional jobs. Panelists
will discuss how technology has led to innovations, challenges, and
additional opportunities to use simulations in selection processes.
Future challenges and applications of simulations for employee selection
will be discussed.
Additional information about the conference as well as SIOP itself can be found at http://www.siop.org
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