Ethical and Legal Standards Flashcards

What ethical principle requires that TAPAS scores be used only for purposes supported by validity evidence?

Answer: Appropriate use based on demonstrated validity for the intended purpose

Ethical testing standards require that test scores be used only for purposes for which there is adequate validity evidence, meaning TAPAS scores should only inform decisions where research supports their predictive value.

What legal protection prevents personality tests from being used to discriminate against protected groups?

Answer: Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures

Title VII prohibits employment practices that have disparate impact on protected groups unless the practice is job-related and consistent with business necessity, which applies to TAPAS use in military selection.

What informed consent obligations apply when administering TAPAS to military applicants?

Answer: Applicants should be informed about the test's purpose, how scores will be used, and who will have access to results

Ethical testing standards require that test-takers be informed about why they are being tested, how their scores will be used, and confidentiality provisions, even in mandatory testing contexts.

Why must TAPAS results be kept confidential and stored securely?

Answer: Personality data is sensitive personal information that could be misused if improperly disclosed or accessed by unauthorized individuals

Personality assessment results reveal intimate information about a person's psychological characteristics and could be stigmatizing or harmful if disclosed inappropriately.

What ethical obligation do test administrators have regarding TAPAS testing accommodations?

Answer: Reasonable accommodations must be provided for individuals with disabilities that affect their ability to take the computer-based test

Testing accommodations must be provided for disabilities that could affect a person's ability to take TAPAS, such as visual impairments or motor difficulties that impede computer interaction.

What ethical issue arises from using TAPAS personality data for purposes beyond the original selection decision?

Answer: Using personality data for purposes beyond validated selection decisions may violate the principle of purpose limitation and informed consent

Using TAPAS data for purposes the test-taker was not informed about and that lack validity evidence, such as security clearance decisions or promotion, raises serious ethical concerns about purpose limitation.