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Glossary

Assessment terms clearly explained

From validity to Big Five: the key terms around assessments and talent management, briefly explained.

Assessment

A structured measurement of ability, personality or behaviour to select or develop more objectively.

Validity

The degree to which a test actually measures what it claims to measure.

Reliability

The degree to which a test measures consistently and reproducibly.

Norm group

A reference group against which an individual score is compared to gain meaning.

Big Five

The most researched personality model, with five dimensions: extraversion, conscientiousness, emotional stability, agreeableness and openness.

Big Five →

DISC

An accessible model with four behavioural styles: dominance, influence, steadiness and conscientiousness.

DISC →

Cognitive ability test

Measures thinking and learning ability, often under time pressure. Strongly predictive of job performance.

Cognitive ability test →

Personality test

Maps stable preferences and behaviour. There are no right or wrong answers.

Personality test →

Motivational drivers

What motivates someone and gives energy at work. Key to engagement and fit.

Motivational drivers →

360-degree feedback

Feedback on behaviour from multiple perspectives: manager, colleagues, clients and self-view.

360-degree feedback →

Competency

A cluster of knowledge, skills and behaviour needed to perform a task or role well.

Competency →

Predictive validity

The degree to which a test score predicts future behaviour or performance.

Percentile score

Indicates what percentage of the norm group scores lower. Percentile 70 means: higher than 70% of the group.

Situational judgement test (SJT)

Presents realistic work situations and measures which approach someone chooses.

Pre-employment assessment

A measurement before hiring to assess whether a candidate fits the role.

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