Harrison Assessment Tests Interpreting Paradox Reports 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: In a Harrison Paradox Report, a 'Paradox' trait appears when which condition is met?
- A trait scores very high on one subscale and very low on its opposite subscale
- A trait scores moderately on both its positive and negative subscales
- A trait scores high on both its positive and negative subscales simultaneously (Correct answer)
- A trait score falls below the minimum threshold for the job role
Correct answer: A trait scores high on both its positive and negative subscales simultaneously
A paradox occurs when a person scores high on two opposing behavioral tendencies at the same time, revealing an internal tension.
Question 2: When a candidate's Paradox Report shows 'Wants Frank Frank' as a paradox, what does this most likely indicate?
- The candidate values honesty but avoids giving direct feedback to others (Correct answer)
- The candidate is comfortable both receiving and giving blunt feedback equally
- The candidate dislikes frank communication in all professional settings
- The candidate only values frank communication from authority figures
Correct answer: The candidate values honesty but avoids giving direct feedback to others
A 'Wants Frank' paradox typically signals someone who desires direct feedback for themselves but struggles to deliver it to others.
Question 3: How should a hiring manager use a candidate's paradox findings during the interview process?
- Automatically disqualify candidates who have any paradox traits
- Use paradox areas as targeted probing questions to understand how candidates manage the tension (Correct answer)
- Ignore paradoxes because they cancel each other out statistically
- Share the paradox report with the candidate before the interview to coach them
Correct answer: Use paradox areas as targeted probing questions to understand how candidates manage the tension
Paradoxes are interview opportunities — probing these areas helps reveal self-awareness and coping strategies.
Question 4: On the Harrison assessment, the Paradox Graph displays traits using which visual format?
- A bell curve showing distribution of scores across a normative population
- A spider/radar chart comparing the candidate to the ideal job profile
- A dual-axis bar showing both the positive and negative poles of each trait on the same bar (Correct answer)
- A scatter plot correlating paradox scores with job performance ratings
Correct answer: A dual-axis bar showing both the positive and negative poles of each trait on the same bar
The Paradox Graph uses dual-axis bars to simultaneously display the high and low poles of each behavioral trait.
Question 5: A candidate scores high on both 'Diplomatic' and 'Frank' in the Harrison system. What is the most likely behavioral outcome?
- The candidate will consistently choose diplomacy over frankness in all situations
- The candidate may struggle to deliver clear messages because they vacillate between softening and bluntness (Correct answer)
- The candidate will excel at negotiations because both traits enhance persuasion equally
- The candidate is likely to be rated high on communication by all supervisors
Correct answer: The candidate may struggle to deliver clear messages because they vacillate between softening and bluntness
Scoring high on both diplomatic and frank tendencies creates an internal conflict that can lead to inconsistent or mixed messaging.
Question 6: In Harrison terminology, what is the difference between a 'paradox' and a 'challenge' trait?
- A paradox is a high–high conflict while a challenge is a trait scoring below the job requirement minimum (Correct answer)
- A paradox is always negative while a challenge trait is a positive that needs development
- A paradox involves multiple traits while a challenge involves only a single trait score
- A paradox appears only in leadership roles while challenge traits appear in all roles
Correct answer: A paradox is a high–high conflict while a challenge is a trait scoring below the job requirement minimum
Paradoxes reflect conflicting highs on opposing poles, whereas challenge traits are simply those that fall short of the job's minimum threshold.
Question 7: When reviewing a Paradox Report for a sales role, a recruiter notices 'Wants Autonomy / Follows Rules' as a paradox. Which interview question best probes this finding?
- Tell me about a time you exceeded your sales quota.
- Describe a situation where you had to follow a process you disagreed with — how did you handle it? (Correct answer)
- How do you prioritize your leads when your pipeline is full?
- What CRM tools have you used in previous roles?
Correct answer: Describe a situation where you had to follow a process you disagreed with — how did you handle it?
This question directly targets the tension between rule-following and autonomy-seeking to reveal how the candidate manages that conflict.
Harrison Assessment Tests Interpreting Paradox Reports 2
In a Harrison Paradox Report, a 'Paradox' trait appears when which condition is met?