Is Retest Bias Biased?: Examining Race and Sex Differences in Retest Performance

The purpose of this study was to test for race and sex differences in general mental ability (GMA) retest performance and to identify the psychological mechanisms underlying these differences. An initial and retest administration of a GMA assessment separated by a six-week span was completed by 318...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of personnel psychology 2016-04, Vol.15 (2), p.45-54
Main Authors: Randall, Jason G, Villado, Anton J, Zimmer, Christina U
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Cognitive Ability
Female
Human
Human Sex Differences
Male
Personnel Selection
Racial and Ethnic Differences
Test Bias
Test Performance
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Summary:The purpose of this study was to test for race and sex differences in general mental ability (GMA) retest performance and to identify the psychological mechanisms underlying these differences. An initial and retest administration of a GMA assessment separated by a six-week span was completed by 318 participants. Contrary to our predictions, we found that race, sex, and emotional stability failed to moderate GMA retest performance. However, GMA assessed via another ability test and conscientiousness both partially explained retest performance. Additionally, we found that retesting may reduce adverse impact ratios by lowering the hiring threshold. Ultimately, our findings reinforce the need for organizations to consider race, sex, ability, and personality when implementing retesting procedures.
ISSN:1866-5888
2190-5150
DOI:10.1027/1866-5888/a000149