When Psychometrics Fail
- Dr Austin Tay
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- Feb 17
- 1 min read
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Graphology (handwriting analysis) has essentially zero predictive validity for job performance.
Yet some organisations still use it. Why?
Because it feels scientific. It generates detailed reports. Candidates don't complain. And it's been around for decades.
This is the danger of "psychometric theatre"—tools that look sophisticated but lack empirical support.
Three questions every organisation should ask about assessment tools:
1. Where's the peer-reviewed validation study?
2. What's the actual predictive validity for my context?
3. Who audits for adverse impact?
"We've always done it this way" isn't due diligence. It's a liability waiting to happen.
The lesson from graphology: Professional-looking nonsense is still nonsense.
What assessment tools in your organisation need a validity audit?
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