Research Interests

The importance of the situation in occupational assessment

A recent reexamination of the 'exercise' effect in assessment centres emphasises that the 'traits' typically measured in occupational psychology do not adequately account for observed behaviour. In my research I am using structural equation models initially to model assessment centre results and to compare 'trait' and 'situation' effects. 

A low fidelity simulation which enables the structural components of 'trait' and 'situation' to be decomposed in a structural equation model has been developed. This will be used to examine how variations in the 'situation' faced by candidates undergoing assessment alter the information about that candidate's 'traits' and whether current concepts in applied measurement needs to change to do justice to a person's strengths and weaknesses for a job or role.