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The following Archives are available:

• 1 January 1999 - 30 June 1999 (Archive 1)
• 1 July 2000- 31 December 1999 (Archive 2)
• 1 January 2001 - June 2001 (Archive 3)
• Previous News & Events
• Regional Branches
  • Western Cape
  • Eastern Cape
  • Gauteng

Archive 1

The following information was released from the members only section and contains information listed from 1 January 1999 to 30 June 1999.

1. Related Research

The studies which are listed under this heading are not studies conducted or endorsed by the PAI. For the most part these are investigations into previously researched instruments (usually before the PAI was set up) or studies conducted by PAI members or stakeholders. If you have information which you believe is relevant for this page and you would like to submit that information for display here please either fill in the Validation Form, or send the information directly to the PAI Committee. It is up to the individual or company to decide whether to utilise these instruments.

1.1 Personality Tests

A: The 16 Personality Factors Test:
The 16PF Questionnaire was developed by R.B. Cattell and distributed by the HSRC. There are a number of different forms with Form E being normed for South African samples and the SA 92 being the most recent form. The 16PF is suitable for subjects who have not completed their matric. The 16PF is classified as a C test by the Psychometrics Committee. This investigation was conducted by Pam Bain.

1.2 Cognitive (& Reasoning) Tests

A: The (HSRC) Intermediate Test Battery:
The Intermediate Battery (B/77) was developed by the HSRC to evaluate cognitive abilities in groups for whom the higher level battery is too difficult. The battery consists of seven tests which can either be used as a whole or with with only those tests which are pertinent. The battery is classified as a B test by the Psychometrics Committee. This investigation was conducted by Rachel Moore.

B: The (HSRC) Higher Level Test Battery:
The High Level Battery (B/75) was developed by the HSRC to measure cognitive abilities and is suitable for subjects with at least 12 years of formal education. The battery consists of six tests which can be used as a whole or independently. The battery is classified as a B test by the Psychometrics Committee. This investigation was conducted by Prudence Ngoako.

C: Senior Aptitude Test (SAT):
The Senior Aptitude Test (SAT) was developed by the HSRC to measure cognitive ability. The battery is classified as a B test by the Psychometrics Committee. This investigation was conducted by Mandy Goldstein.

D: APIL:
The APIL was developed by Dr T.R. Taylor to measure a person's underlying ability to learn cognitively challenging new skills. It can thus be used to assess learning potential. The APIL consists of eight dimensions and is classified as a B test by the Psychometrics Committee. This report is provided by Dr T.R. Taylor.

1.3 Interest Inventories & Tests

(Please submit information on any relevant research)

1.4 Other Assessment Instruments & Methods:

Paper appearing in Psychology in Society by Sehlapelo & Terre Blanche concerning views on psychometric testing.

(Please submit information on any relevant research)

2. PAI Validation Research

PAI validation studies are conducted by PAI endorsed researchers from PAI funded projects. If you have any queries about these validation studies please speak to a member of the Technical Team, headed by Ricky Mauer.

Archive 2

The following information was released from the members only section and contains information listed from 1 July 1999 to 31 December 1999.

1. Realted Research

The studies which are listed under this heading are not studies conducted or endorsed by the PAI. For the most part these are investigations into previously researched instruments (usually before the PAI was set up) or studies conducted by PAI members or stakeholders. If you have information which you believe is relevant for this page and you would like to submit that information for display here please either fill in the Validation Form, or send the information directly to the PAI Committee. It is up to the individual or company to decide whether to utilise these instruments.

1.2 Cognitive (& Reasoning) Tests

E:CPP:
The Cognitive Processes Profile was developed by S.M. Prinsloo to measure thinking processes and to overcome the biases involved in typical IQ testing. This report is provided by S.M. Prinsloo.

1.4 Other Assessment Instruments & Methods

A:Biodata:
Dr Elizabeth Allworth has been conducting research into the use of biodata in the selection process. The report which appears here by Dr Allworth, has been adapted from an article appearing in the Journal of Assessment and Selection.

(Please submit information on any relevant research)

2. PAI Validation Research

PAI validation studies are conducted by PAI endorsed researchers from PAI funded projects. If you have any queries about these validation studies please speak to a member of the Technical Team, headed by Ricky Mauer.

Archive 3

The following information was released from the members only section and contains information listed from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2000.

1. Related Research

The studies which are listed under this heading are not studies conducted or endorsed by the PAI. For the most part these are investigations into previously researched instruments (usually before the PAI was set up) or studies conducted by PAI members or stakeholders. If you have information which you believe is relevant for this page and you would like to submit that information for display here please either fill in the Validation Form, or send the information directly to the PAI Committee. It is up to the individual or company to decide whether to utilise these instruments. In addition we have also been able to link to SHL's validation information.

1.1 C: The NEO:

The NEO is one of the personality inventories based on the five-factor model of personality which is fast gaining popularity worldwide. The NEO has already been translated into many different langauges worldwide and there is much international research on the instrument. There is a paucity of South African published literature on this instrument. This investigation was conducted by Tsepho Mosupye. For more information on the NEO have a look at the PAI's NEO Usergroup.

1.2 Cognitive (& Reasoning) Tests:

E: CPP:
The Cognitive Processes Profile was developed by S.M. Prinsloo to measure thinking processes and to overcome the biases involved in typical IQ testing. This report is provided by S.M. Prinsloo.

1.3 Interest Inventories & Tests:

(Please submit information on any relevant research)

1.4 Other Assessment Instrumwents

A:Biodata:
Dr Elizabeth Allworth has been conducting research into the use of biodata in the selection process. The report which appears here by Dr Allworth, has been adapted from an article appearing in the Journal of Assessment and Selection.

2. PAI Validation Research

PAI validation studies are conducted by PAI endorsed researchers from PAI funded projects. If you have any queries about these validation studies please speak to a member of the Technical Team, headed by Ricky Mauer.

At this point the Technical Team is attempting to establish which instruments members wish to have the validations studies conducted on. If you would like to make a recommendation please do so using the Discussion Forum.

Previous News & Events

1. PAI Research Position

   At a recent PAI executive meeting held at the beginning of December 2001 it was decided that a part-time position of PAI research officer be advertised. As PAI executive members are volunteers already in full-time employment, it is necessary to have a part-time researcher employed by the PAI to co-ordinate the research and investigation activities of the PAI. If you are interested, or know of anyone who is interested, in this position please have a look at the the full advertisement:

   •  Opportunity for a psychologist

2. Call for Members

   People Assessment in Industry (PAI) was launched in 1998 (under the auspices of SIP) in order to ensure the long-term use of psychometric assessment in industry by drawing up a code of practice acceptable to all stakeholders, establishing an accepted manner of validating assessment instruments and engaging stakeholders with what good psychological assessment should encompass. The Mission Statement of the PAI includes: establishing, and publishing criteria for test validation in industry with particular emphasis on cross-cultural validity and predictive validity; the publication of findings in forums where they can be subjected to peer review; engaging government, labour and industry, to inform and promote proper psychometric practice; and in the longer term providing advisory service to industry in areas such as instrument selection, development, battery construction and validation. Please contact Maggie Gifford (tel: 011 616-6244; e-mail: maggie@wol.co.za) for membership information.  

3. SAPS Workshop on methods and data analysis for cross cultural research.

   Deon Meiring from the SAPS (a PAI corporate member) is holding a workshop on 30 and 31 May 2002 at the Irene Country Lodge, Pretoria, on methods and data analysis for cross cultural research. All PAI members are invited to attend. If you would like more details on this workshop contact Deon Meiring on 0723454767 or have a look at the following pdf document: SAPS Workshop on Cross Cultural Research

4. PAI Workshop discussing the future direction of the PAI

   A workshop was held on the 9 November 2001 to discuss the future direction/s of the PAI. The workshop, facilitated by Productivity Development using a computer-based system, was free to all PAI members. A detailed environmental analysis followed by a SWOT analysis enabled those present to provide a clear set of objectives for the PAI. This will be turned into action areas at the next meeting of the PAI executive committee in early December. More details from the workshop should follow shortly.

   • Nkhabele Marumo's survey of PAI members and stakeholders (Top)

   • Executive Summary of PAI's Strategic Objectives (Top)

5. Meta Analysis of Personality Tests in South Africa

   The PAI is assisting Deon Meiring with gathering information on studies using personality testing in the South African context. Please see the request for assistance from Deon Meiring. (Top)

6. Proposals for Norming/Validation Studies

   The PAI Executive Committee is formally issuing an invitation for norming/validation studies on an instrument (or instruments) that are used by Industry in South Africa. In the proposal please include the following information:

   instrument/s; methodology; sample; costs

   The proposals will be reviewed at a meeting of the PAI early in the new year, so proposals should reach Chris Nunns by no later than 1 January 2002. The PAI will assess how much of each proposal it is willing to sponsor. (Top)

7. News from the Western Cape Branch

   The Western Cape Branch of the PAI, under the capable co-ordination of Taryn Andrews has been quite active over the past six months. (Top)

   The Western Cape Branch of the PAI last met on 21 November 2001 at UWC. The next meeting will be on 27 February on "Testing People with Disabilities". Please take a look at the Western Cape Branch site  to see what exciting activities they have been involved in.(Top)

8. News from the Eastern Cape Branch

   The Eastern Cape Branch of the PAI is now operational. Please take a look at the Eastern Cape Branch site to see what activities they have been involved in. (Top)

9. News from the Gauteng Branch

   The Gauteng Branch of the PAI is now operational. There have been three meetings of the Gauteng Branch so far in 2001. One at Deloitte & Touche on 5 July 2001, one on 6 September 2001 at the Airport Sun Inter-Continental Hotel, Johannesburg and one on 9 November 2001 at Productivity Development, Randburg. Please take a look at the Gauteng Branch site to see what activities they have been involved in. (Top)

10. SIP Industrial Psychology & Psychometrics Conference

    The PAI hosted an Item Response Theory (IRT) workshop at the Annual SIP Conference in early June. The speakers at this IRT workshop were Deon de Bruin, Anil Kanjee, Mbithi Wakivulu and Maree de Beer. Please look out for the reportback from the IRT workshop on this website. (Top)

11. PAI Workshop on Assessment in Industry (REPORT BACK)

    The PAI Workshop on "An Introduction to Good Practice in Psychometric Assessment" was conducted onThursday, 27th July 2000, by Mary-Anne Verster and Kasthuri Nainaar. The workshop was held at the Wits Business School, and by all reports was a great success. Although the delegates were mainly psychologists and psychometrists the feedback received was very positive. The course material, when initially planned and developed, was mainly aimed at line managers, shop stewards and relevant others, as an introduction to sound assessment practice and procedures in the workplace. It is envisaged that this workshop will now be taken to member organisations of the PAI for in-house delivery of the workshop material. Further feedback was for the development of an advanced course as a follow-up to this introductory course and we are looking into this matter. (Top)

12. Psychological Tests and Other Similar Assessments

    Professor Ricky Mauer, a member of the PAI Executive and Professor Emeritus at UNISA, writes about how what current legislation has to say about Psychologists and Psychological Assessment. This is a very informative document, reasoning why current legislation is a necessity to South Africa. (Top)

13. PAI Projects 2001-2002

    The PAI has three major projects on the go for the 2000-2001 year:
    (I) Firstly we will look at establishing a database of psychometric tests approved by the Psychometrics Committee of the Professional Board. This database will include details on reliability, validity and norm groups, as well as basic information about each test. We are looking at having the initial database established early in 2002.
    (II) Secondly we are looking at establishing a "Buros-style" catalogue of psychometric tests in South Africa. This will involve experts giving some form of rating of usefulness. The first stage of this project (establishing suitable, internationally acceptable criteria for the rating of tests) should be started by early in 2002.
    (III) Finally, we will look at establishing an online network of experts with knowledge in the areas of validation. This project will only begin once the first phase of the second project has been completed. (Top)

Regional Branches

Western Cape

The Western Cape branch of the PAI is ably co-ordinated by Taryn Andrews. Meetings of members and other interested parties are held regularly at venues in and around Cape Town. In addition, PAI courses and activities are run on a regular basis in this region.

• First Western Cape PAI meeting minutes
• Second Western Cape PAI meeting feedback
• Third Western Cape PAI meeting feedback
• Fourth Western Cape PAI meeting minutes
• Fifth Western Cape PAI meeting minutes
• Details of Next Western Cape PAI meeting

Minutes of first PAI meeting, held at Psymetric in August

The first meeting, held in August at Psymetric, was a great success, and members decided to meet once a quarter. It was also decided that the meetings would be hosted by a different organisation each time, and that the host would be responsible for offering a short presentation on a relevant subject of their choice. We agreed that one of the future aims of such a meeting should be to gain CPD accreditation, allowing for the accrual of CPD points at PAI gatherings.

Present at the first meeting were:

• Wim Myburgh - Psymetric
• Reggie Venter - Psymetric
• Chris Swart - Psymetric
• Linda Hall - Independent Counselling Psychologist
• Joan Heynemann - Old Mutual
• Gerhard van Straaten - Shoprite
• Jenny McNulty - Old Mutual
• Irene Wilson - Caltex
• Christine Wassung - Psymetric
• Yvette Esprey - UCT

Apologies:

• Ruth Petty - Independent Psychologist
• Shani Naidoo - Foschini
• Pat Smith - Woolworths

Wim Myburgh, who heads up Psymetric, is an Industrial Psychologist whose company specialises in individual, career, work and organisational assessment. He presented on current trends in assessment, and on the shift towards incorporating more contextual and person-based factors in selection and assessment. The discussion around these issues was animated, and this is obviously an area that is of relevance to PAI membership.

Second PAI meeting

The second meeting, held in November at Old Mutual, was a great success, and I would like to say a special thank you to Jenny McNulty for hosting a very interesting and enjoyable evening, and for introducing Old Mutual’s unique leadership assessment process. Thanks also to Hennie Kriek, from SHL, for his provocative presentation on the OPP and OPQ assessment instruments. Please find a copy of the minutes attached to this invitation.

Third PAI meeting

The third was held at Foschini in Parow, hosted by Shani Naidoo and Linda Hall on 21 February 2001. Shani, an Industrial Psychologist by profession, is Group Human Resources Manager and has been with Foschini for 11 years. Her functions include heading up recruitment for the Foschini group, and working in strategic human resources. Linda Hall is an independent Counselling Psychologist who has been associated with Foschini for 15 years. She worked for 10 years running the recruitment department, and is now working for Foschini on a part-time basis specialising in psychometric assessment, and related research.

The presentations for the evening focused on testing and recruitment in the retail industry, looking at the history of Foschini in that context, and the challenges that are faced in the retail environment. Specific focus was given to the assessment of manager competencies and relevant testing issues.

Whilst the gatherings did have a formal presentation component, it also offered a forum where PAI members and prospective members had the opportunity to meet one another, and to discuss the specific needs which they have. It also afforded members an opportunity to receive feedback from the PAI committee meetings held quarterly in Johannesburg. It was a time to relax, chat, meet old acquaintances and hopefully make new contacts.

Fourth PAI meeting

Attendance:

• Mark Orpen (Old Mutual)
• Peter Meiring (Consol Glass)
• Reggie Venter (Psymetric)
• Wim Myburgh (Psymetric)
• Carlo Carstens (Old Mutual)
• Elisca Philander (University of Stellenbosch)
• Sarah Melane (Old Mutual)
• Thabile Mkhonza (Old Mutual)
• Susan Turton (Old Mutual)
• Kerry Schiff (Private)
• Pam Stewart (Woolworths)
• Caron Meyer (Thawte Consulting)
• Natasha Muller (Natasha Muller & Associates)
• Lynne Rhode (Old Mutual)
• Burger van Lill (UWC)
• Pierre Bester (Adfen Consultants)
• Babalwa Jaji (UCT)
• Hazel Dunbar (UCT)
• Karissa Lachman (UCT)
• Caryn Serman (UCT)
• Suki Goodman (UCT)
• Taryn Andrews (UCT)

Apologies:

• Shani Naidoo (Foschini)
• Alison Abrahams (Woolworths)
• Jeff Bagraim (UCT)
• Linda Price (UCT)
• Colin Adam (Adfen)
• Irene Wilson (Caltex)
• Charmaine Swanevelder (SHL)
• Madeleine Conradie (Pep)
• Sandra Kuter (Private)
• Maxie Combrinck (Maxie Consulting)
• Jenny McNulty (Old Mutual)
• Helena Victor (Old Mutual)
• Bradley Mendelowitz (UCT)
• Gwendoline Engelbrecht (SHL)
• Linda Wallace (Woolworths)
• Ruth Petty (Catalyst)
• Janey Moore (Catalyst)
• Johan Struwig (SHL)

The fourth meeting of the PAI was hosted by Suki Goodman from the section of Organisational Psychology and HRM in the School of Management Studies at UCT. Positive feedback has been received from those who attended regarding the interactive nature of the session and the lively discussion that it generated. The evening consisted of three inter-related sessions. During the first, small groups were formed to discuss the issues and challenges faced by HR and Organisational Psychology practitioners. Secondly, UCT Masters students, Caryn Serman and Karissa Lachman, took the group through a presentation on the issue of reflexivity. Lastly, a brief discussion was held on the competencies that companies require university graduates in the field of HR and Organisational Psychology to possess.

Fifth PAI meeting

Attendance:

• Sarah Melane (Old Mutual)

• Rukhsana Jano (UWC)

• Lynne Rhode (Old Mutual)

• Gwendoline Engelbrecht (SHL)

• Johan Struwig (SHL)

• Carmelita Pastor (Safmarine)

• Natasha Muller (Assessing for Success)

• Burger van Lill (UWC)

• Taryn Andrews (UCT)
  
  Apologies:

• Kim Hillowitz (SHL)

• Hazel Dunbar (UCT)

• Fatima Abrahams (UWC)

• Lyn Allen (Woolworths)

• Pam Stewart (Woolworths)

• Wim Myburgh (Psymetric)

• Susan Turton (Old Mutual)

• Joan Heynemann (Old Mutual)

• Linda Hall (Foschini)

• Shani Naidoo (Foschini)

• Lara Morrison (Woolworths)

• Suki Goodman (UCT)

The fifth meeting of the PAI Western Cape branch was held on the 21 November 2001 at the University of the Western Cape. Thank you to Burger van Lill and the Industrial Psychology Department at UWC for an informative presentation on the issue of normative versus ipsative measurement. The presentation generated an interesting discussion on the use of normative and ipsative measurement instruments in industry. In particular, problems associated with ipsative instruments were raised, such as difficulties with determining reliability and validity, and not being able to compare people’s results on such instruments (hence causing difficulties for the recruitment and selection process).

Next PAI meeting

The date for the next Western Cape PAI meeting is Wednesday the 27 February 2002, from 17:30 - 19:00 hosted by SHL. The meeting venue will Catwalk Investments Boardroom, 2nd Floor, Bloemhof Building, 122 Edward Street, Tygervalley. The topic presentation is "Testing People with Disabilities" Please RSVP to Taryn Andrews to assist with the catering arrangements. Please look out for the PAI workshops on psychometric testing in court by Ricky Mauer early in 2002.

Eastern Cape

The Eastern Cape branch of the PAI is ably co-ordinated by Roelie van der Merwe. Meetings of members and other interested parties are held regularly at venues in and around Port Elizabeth. In addition, PAI courses and activities are run on a regular basis in this region.

• First Eastern Cape PAI meeting
• Second Eastern Cape PAI meeting
• Third Eastern Cape PAI meeting
• Details of Next Eastern Cape PAI meeting

Feedback from the first PAI meeting, March 2001

The first meeting was held on 15 March 2001. Marie de Beer gave a presentation on the Learning Potential Computerised Adaptive Test (LPCAT). This was done in collaboration with a local training and development specialist group: WRAP, who sponsored the day for us. The presentation was done by means of three practical demonstration sessions, and was well attended by a few members, quite a few students and also HR people and others from industry – in total more or less 35 people.

Feedback from the second PAI meeting, April 2001

The second meeting was held on 25 April 2001. Cheryl Foxcroft facilitated the workshop on Best Practices for Psychometric Assessment. This was done in collaboration with the Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology of UPE and it was also well attended (again more or less 34 people). It also turned out to be a very good socialising and networking event.

Feedback from the third PAI meeting, August 2001

The third meeting was held on 29 August 2001. Dr Nicolaas Claassen, test developer at the HSRC, presented a workshop on the Differential Aptitude Tests (DAT). This was done in collaboration with the Department of Industrial and Organisational Psychology of UPE and it was attended by more or less 22 people - including PAI members, students and a few people from industry.

Details of the next PAI meeting, October 2001

The next meeting will be held in October 2001. Hennie Kriek from SHL will be giving a presentation on SHL test material. For more information, please contact Roelie van der Merwe 041 504 2124. Please look out for the PAI workshops on psychometric testing in court by Ricky Mauer early in 2001.

Gauteng

The Gauteng branch of the PAI is co-ordinated by the PAI Executive. Meetings of members and other interested parties are held regularly at venues in and around Gauteng. In addition, PAI courses and activities are run on a regular basis in this region.

• First Gauteng PAI meeting
• Second Gauteng PAI meeting
• Third Gauteng PAI meeting (Workshop)
• Details of Gauteng PAI meeting

Feedback from the first PAI meeting, March 2001

The first meeting was held on 5 July 2001 at the Deloitte's & Touche offices in Woodemad. The topic for discussion was the process of disseminating feedback on psychological reports in the workplace. More detailed feedback will follow shortly.

Feedback from the second PAI meeting, September 2001

The second meeting was held on 6 September 2001 at the Airport Sun Inter-Continental Hotel, Johannesburg. After drinks and eats courtesy of Southern Sun, Hennie Kriek gave a presentation on using the Internet for psychological assessment. There was much interest around using the Internet for 360 performance evaluation and for linking with existing computerised HR management systems. There were approximately twenty people present for the cocktails and presentation. 

Feedback from the third PAI meeting, November 2001

The third meeting was held on 9 November 2001 at the Productivity Development Offices, Ferndale and hosted by Liberty Life. The meeting was held as a day-long workshop to discuss the future direction of the PAI. The workshop was free to all PAI members. After a careful environment and SWOT analysis, directions for the future of the PAI were broadly outlined. These will be turned into action and responsibility areas at the next meeting of the PAI executive meeting in early December. More details of the PAI's future direction will appear on the PAI website shortly.

• Marumo survey of PAI members & stakeholders

Details of the next PAI meeting, December 2001

The next meeting of the PAI executive will be held in early December 2001. All members are welcome to attend this meeting. Please look out for the PAI workshops on psychometric testing in court by Ricky Mauer early in 2001.