The Impact of Nondiagnostic Information on Selection Decision Making: A Cautionary Note and Mitigation Strategies

Authors

Dev K. Dalal, University at Albany, State University of New YorkFollow
Levi Sassaman, University at Albany, State University of New YorkFollow
Xiaoyuan (Susan) Zhu, University of KentuckyFollow

DOI

https://doi.org/10.25035/pad.2020.02.007

Abstract

Selection decision makers are inundated with information from which to make decisions about the suitability of a job candidate for a position. Although some of this information is relevant for making a high-quality decision (i.e., diagnostic information), much of the information is actually unrelated to the decision (i.e., nondiagnostic information). Although the deleterious effects of nondiagnostic information on selection decision making have been demonstrated, the prevalence and impact of this type of information is increasing, especially with recent advances in new selection methods used by employers. The purpose of this paper, therefore, is to caution selection decision makers, and/or those advising them, to the impact nondiagnostic information has on decisions. We also present different types and prevalence estimates of nondiagnostic information given the changes to the ways applicants are screened and selected. We conclude with suggestions for mitigating the use and/or negative impact of nondiagnostic information.

Recommended Citation

Dalal, Dev K.; Sassaman, Levi; and Zhu, Xiaoyuan (Susan) (2020) "The Impact of Nondiagnostic Information on Selection Decision Making: A Cautionary Note and Mitigation Strategies," Personnel Assessment and Decisions: Number 6 : Iss. 2 , Article 7.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.25035/pad.2020.02.007
Available at: https://scholarworks.bgsu.edu/pad/vol6/iss2/7

Corresponding Author Information

Dev K. Dalal

dev.dalal@gmail.com

1400 Washington Ave SS-399 Albany, NY 12222