Large-Scale Investigation of the Role of Trait Activation Theory for Understanding Assessment Center Convergent and Discriminant Validity

This study used trait activation theory as a theoretical framework to conduct a large-scale test of the interactionist explanation of the convergent and discriminant validity findings obtained in assessment centers. Trait activation theory specifies the conditions in which cross-situationally consis...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of applied psychology 2006-03, Vol.91 (2), p.247-258
Main Authors: Lievens, Filip, Chasteen, Christopher S, Day, Eric Anthony, Christiansen, Neil D
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Activation
Assessment Centers
Assessment Centers (Personnel)
Assessment centres
Biological and medical sciences
Construct Validity
Convergence
Convergent Validity
Correlation analysis
Discriminant Analysis
Discriminant Validity
Employee Skills
Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology
Human
Humans
Interaction
Investigations
Job Performance
Measures (Individuals)
Methodology
Multidimensional Scaling
Multitrait Multimethod Techniques
Observation
Occupational psychology
Orientation. Selection. Evaluation
Personality
Personality tests
Personality traits
Psychological Theories
Psychology
Psychology - methods
Psychology - statistics & numerical data
Psychology. Psychoanalysis. Psychiatry
Psychology. Psychophysiology
Regression analysis
Reproducibility of Results
Statistical analysis
Student Behavior
Studies
Test Validity
Theories
Theory
Traits
Validity
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Description
Summary:This study used trait activation theory as a theoretical framework to conduct a large-scale test of the interactionist explanation of the convergent and discriminant validity findings obtained in assessment centers. Trait activation theory specifies the conditions in which cross-situationally consistent and inconsistent candidate performances are likely to occur. Results obtained by aggregating correlations across 30 multitrait-multimethod matrices supported the propositions of trait activation theory, shedding a more positive light on the construct validity puzzle in assessment centers. Overall, convergence among assessment center ratings was better between exercises that provided an opportunity to observe behavior related to the same trait, and discrimination among ratings within exercises was generally better for dimensions that were not expressions of the same underlying traits. Implications for assessment center research and practice are discussed.
ISSN:0021-9010
1939-1854
DOI:10.1037/0021-9010.91.2.247