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OPM.gov / Frequently Asked Questions / Assessment Policy FAQ / Assessment Methods
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Assessment Methods

Questions and answers

Response distortion (whether high or low) has long been a challenge with self-report occupational questionnaires.  Employing the following suggestions may help:

 

  • Write questions in terms of observable and verifiable behaviors
  • Use warnings/verification statements that identify the consequences of false claims.  (NOTE: This should be done either at the beginning of the questions or within the job opportunity announcement.)
  • Ask applicants for verifying sources (e.g., previous supervisors) so the responses can be checked for accuracy
  • Follow-up with a confirmatory assessment (e.g., a work sample test, structured interview)

Research has shown that warning applicants in advance that their responses are subject to verification can be a powerful incentive to answer honestly.

 

For more information regarding occupational questionnaires, please visit the Occupational Questionnaire page of OPM's Assessment and Selection website (http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/assessment-and-selection/occupational-questionnaires/) or contact Assessment_Information@opm.gov.
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