Comments on: Autistics Need Not Apply

By: David N. Andrews MEd (12-2006)

David N. Andrews MEd (12-2006) — Fri, 10 Nov 2006 04:14:00 +0000

Well, I wrote the paper, and it is about 2000 words, referenced… :/

Upshot is…

Traditional interview – validity coefficient: 0.33
Structured interview – validity coefficient: 0.44

Used by about 97% of organisations for assessing candidates for jobs.

Ability tests – validity coefficient: 0.54
Work sample – validity coefficient: 0.54

But… 80% of organisations use ability tests whilst only about 15% use work samples.

Candidate reactions to interviews usually positive, and to tests negative-to-moderate.

Of all possible assessment devices, the only one that consistently gets positive reactions from candidates AND is sufficiently reliable to make valid inferences about suitability for hiring as a worker: work sample.

The one used least by organisations looking for workers.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 13:58:26 +0000

David, I would much like to hear about your conclusions. I have been thinking about Bauer’s article a lot since reading it—-thinking about what kinds of jobs my son might hold, or try to.

By: David N. Andrews MEd (Dec 2006)

David N. Andrews MEd (Dec 2006) — Sat, 04 Nov 2006 12:29:33 +0000

Kassiane: “It isn’t fair that he isn’t being given a chance just because he INTERVIEWS badly. Interviews never have anything to do with the actual job.”

I’ve been looking into interviews as part of the recruiting and selection process partly because of what Kassiane said there (points to quote from K’s post), and partly because of my interest in occupational psychology. I shall post here on the topic when I’ve had lunch and typed up a short essay on it.

I think that Kassiane won’t be surprised by the conclusion. Many others will, though.

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 16:10:19 +0000

I’m curious to find out more about Publix’s program and training etc.—-please let us know.

By: Nancy Lynne

Nancy Lynne — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 15:37:31 +0000

I think it is sad that Target has to be that way.But, I am so happy to hear about Publix! We are planning to move from rural Missouri where there is not work for my 20 year old autistic son to Tennessee where I have been very impressed with the Publix market and was wondering if maybe he could be hired there. Seth is so meticulous and could be a very great worker for someone willing to give him a chance. He is a great helper to me at home and does things so thoroughly!
Nancy Lynne Clayburn
thepuzzleboy.blogharbor.com

By: Kristina Chew, PhD

Kristina Chew, PhD — Fri, 03 Nov 2006 04:20:36 +0000

And Target is based in the Twin Cities, where Bauer lives.

The part of the article that stood out to me, too, was her mention of her son folding all the laundry etc. for her—of his responsibility and meticulousness.

By: Jenni

Jenni — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 19:06:26 +0000

“It amounts to saying that all their disabled workers are ornaments. ”
Well said!!! And very too bad.

By: Jenni

Jenni — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 19:05:42 +0000

There is a grocery store here in the southern states, Publix, that has many autistics working there and invites their “helpers” from an organization here that helps all disabled people find jobs and helps them to lead independent lives! Too bad Target! You’re missing out on some great people!!

By: ebohlman

ebohlman — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 17:39:08 +0000

Joe: agreed, especially since that remark strongly suggests that Target is more concerned with being publicly seen as “doing the right thing” than actually doing it. It amounts to saying that all their disabled workers are ornaments.

By: Joe

Joe — Thu, 02 Nov 2006 17:35:30 +0000

I cannot believe that someone at Target admitted to a discriminatory policy. OK, maybe I can; but that kind of statement is just inviting a lawsuit, not to mention bad publicity.