Blackwell Reference Online

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Weighted application blanks (WABs) use empirical keying procedures ( see biographical history inventories ) to predict applicants' future job performance ( England, 1961 ). Prediction tends to be very accurate, though keys need to be redeveloped approximately every three years. A WAB key assigns points to each possible answer to application blank questions, breaking down applicant answers into the smallest possible units of information (usually individual response options to each question). For example, “How much income did you earn from your last full‐time position?” might have the following five response options: 1 = $15,000 to $25,000; 2 = $25,001 to $35,000; 3 = $35,001 to $45,000; 4 = $45,001 to $55,000; 5 = $55,001 to $65,000. A WAB key is typically developed using the vertical percentage difference method of empirical keying. In theory, WABs accurately predict job performance for the same reasons as biographical history inventories (i.e., there is some causal relationship between the prior life event reflected in answers to application blanks and subsequent behavior). Problems occur when (1) keys developed from one population are applied to different populations and (2) applicants lie or distort answers to application blank questions. Population shifts can only be addressed through frequent development of new keys to keep up with changes in applicant pool experiences and ... log in or subscribe to read full text