The implications of systematic training for the validity of online ability testing
Fluid intelligence is critical for a wide variety of cognitive tasks, and it is considered one of the most important factors in learning. Hence, fluid intelligence is a vital construct in aptitude testing. There is a long history of the assumption that fluid intelligence must be simply genetically determined. However, recent studies (see Jeaggi, Buschkuehl, Jonides & Perrig, 2008) have indicated that fluid intelligence can be improved with training. If training improves fluid intelligence, it needs a measure for current psychometric fitness level to determine the true potential of a candidate in aptitude testing. Cognitive training data of participants (N=12,548) of a long-term online study is used to identify cognitive aspects that are subject to improvement by training and to aptitude testing. The results indicate that taking into account the cognitive training level is a vital element of test fairness for aptitude testing in general and for online pre-screening in particular.

Adaptive personality assessment for unsupervised pre-screening
Conventional Big Five orientated personality inventories (normative and ipsative) have proven their effectiveness for applicant screening under supervised conditions. However, these types of instruments are very prone to targeted biased responses which make them less effective in unsupervised conditions. Furthermore, in order to establish sufficient reliability these instruments are very time-consuming for participants which causes problems in acceptance under various circumstances. With adalloc^TM a new method is presented which enables an adaptive personality assessment online. It is demonstrated how the adalloc^TM method allows bias-robust assessment in a fraction of the test time of conventional methods. Results from an international deployment of the adalloc^TM method for unsupervised online pre-screening of undergraduates (N=95,314) are presented along with results from in vitro studies on the effect of targeted biased responses.

Individualised teaching and learning by online assessment
Changing educational structures and increasing student diversity call for valid information for students, career advisors and teachers to individualise the learning. It requires custom-fit advice on subject choice, learning and study methods, management of time and choices for further learning and career options. This custom-fit advice requires a detailed and valid student’s profile. Together with governmental bodies in Ireland and the UK an online assessment system has been implemented that provides feedback on: learning style, learning capabilities, time and organisation management, interests and multiple and preferred intelligences. Results from a first evaluation study in Irish schools (N=9,423) indicate acceptance by the users and validity of the measures. The schools use the information to guide individual students but also formulate holistic strategies and decisions for the entire school to change the way they teach.

Stratified person-job match for effective online career development
Work and life satisfaction depend significantly on the extent to which individuals find opportunities to act out their abilities, needs, values, interests, personality traits and self-concepts. For a successful career three elements are crucial: 1) Knowledge about oneself, 2) the knowledge of the challenges and chances of various professions/jobs, and 3) a stratified person-job match on the principle of best and most effective fit. The evaluation of an online career development portal is presented (N=43,287) that is based on these principles. For every participant the online self-assessment of abilities, personality, interests, values and learning styles is matched with the characteristic patterns of approximately 1,000 jobs (based on the O*NET^® content model). This allows a three-step process (according to Gati, 2006): 1) pre-screening and a shortlist of potential jobs, 2) in-depth exploration of options and 3) choice of option with direct online application or booking of required training.

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