The search for the mythical assessment center dimension

Abstract

This study investigated the addition of multiple indicators to solve the convergence and admissibility issues associated with models of the internal structure of Assessment Centers. Specifically, we used behavioral checklist items rather than traditional Post Exercise Dimensions Ratings as manifest indicators of multi-trait multi-method analysis. These behavioral checklist items were used to create two separate types of ratings: Behavioral Checklist Sum ratings and Disaggregated Behavioral Checklist ratings. Behavioral Checklist Sum ratings are composed of the sum of all of the ratings of each dimension within each exercise. Disaggregated Behavioral Checklist ratings are mini-composites formed for each exercise dimension combination. However, neither the model of the traditional Post Exercise Dimension ratings nor the model that used Behavioral Checklist Sum ratings as manifest indicators converged to admissibility. These results suggest that the frequent failure to find dimensions in models of the internal structure of Assessment Centers is merely a methodological artifact.