A Peculiar Psychometric Test

[Michael37]

Psychometric Tests (also known as Aptitude Tests) are a common part of the job interview process at many companies across the world. They generally consist of a series of timed questions, that are most often numerical (maths questions), verbal (reading comprehension questions) or logical (diagrammatic questions). As the name implies, these tests are set to measure aspects of the mind.

One such psychometric test involves two identical pens which the candidate is asked to choose between. The twin pens are displayed together in a purpose built holder that keeps them upright and slanted towards the candidate sitting at the desk opposite the examiner.

The penholder has two large funnel-like tubes of 30mm diameter, each with just one pen in them, and it is obvious the pens will be easily extracted when the time comes for the candidate to choose and remove one of them. 

This would seem like a simple test to determine whether a person is left or right handed, but since the candidate is told that the test will determine more than this the candidate is given cause to wonder what else the test might be for.

Once the candidate has made their choice and removed one of the identical pens they are questioned about their choice and closely observed.

[Michael37]

Examiner: Why did you choose the pen on the right?

Candidate A: I write with my right hand so it was the natural choice.

Examiner: Why do you think you are being tested about choosing between these two pens?

[Observation by Examiner: Candidate A is holding the top of the pen in the valley between the base of his thumb and the base of his index finger whilst the tip of the pen is being held between the tips of his index and middle fingers. His wrist is resting on the desk in a relaxed manner. One simple adjustment of the thumb, fingers, and wrist is all that would be necessary should actual writing with the pen be required.]

 

[Michael37]

Previously on "A Peculiar Psychometric Test". . .

Examiner: Why do you think you are being tested about choosing between these two pens?

In this episode . . .

Candidate A: I think the pen choosing test is an intelligence gathering exercise to assist in personality profiling.

The examiner makes some notes and then excuses himself from the room, saying he will return shortly.

Candidate A places the pen back in the holder.

After 5 minutes Candidate A becomes bored with waiting for the Examiner to return.

[Michael37]

On 1/8/2021 at 10:31 AM, Michael37 said:

Previously on "A Peculiar Psychometric Test". . .

Examiner: Why do you think you are being tested about choosing between these two pens?

In this episode . . .

Candidate A: I think the pen choosing test is an intelligence gathering exercise to assist in personality profiling.

The examiner makes some notes and then excuses himself from the room, saying he will return shortly.

Candidate A places the pen back in the holder.

After 5 minutes Candidate A becomes bored with waiting for the Examiner to return.

Unknown to Candidate A, the Examiner is observing him through video feed from four mini-cameras concealed in each corner of the Examination Room. 

 This Psychometric Test involving secret surveillance is not legal unless court approved.  

Quote

Link: Are Hidden Cameras At Work Legal?

 Putting up video surveillance without notice to employees or using hidden cameras at work may also violate employee privacy rights. Some states, such as Connecticut, make notice to employees an explicit requirement in their laws, while courts have established similar protections in some other states, as well.

 

[Michael37]

[timf]

I am right handed so if there were two pens I would take the one on the left as it would be oriented in the most convenient petition. However, I would be reluctant to work for a company that was so foolish as to think this exercise would reveal anything useful about an applicant or had hired a company to tell them that this would provide useful information.

[In the Clouds]

As long as both pens worked, it doesn't matter which is taken.  They are just tools to get the job done.

[Michael37]

8 hours ago, timf said:

I am right handed so if there were two pens I would take the one on the left as it would be oriented in the most convenient petition. However, I would be reluctant to work for a company that was so foolish as to think this exercise would reveal anything useful about an applicant or had hired a company to tell them that this would provide useful information.

What would you do if you were kept waiting as described?

[timf]

10 minutes is about the maximum you would expect to be kept waiting without an excuse. At 20 minutes it should be acceptable to inquire about the examiners absence. At 30 minutes one would be justified to depart. If they wanted to reschedule, I would ask them to contact me to give me time to think if I really wanted to work there.

[Michael37]

1 hour ago, timf said:

10 minutes is about the maximum you would expect to be kept waiting without an excuse. At 20 minutes it should be acceptable to inquire about the examiners absence. At 30 minutes one would be justified to depart. If they wanted to reschedule, I would ask them to contact me to give me time to think if I really wanted to work there.

Candidate A left the room and asked someone why they were being left in limbo, not aware this was part of the test.