Important distinctions to memorize

Adverse Impact vs. Disparate Treatment

Unequal outcomes from a seemingly neutral practice vs. intentional different treatment.

Reliability vs. Validity

Consistency of measurement vs. evidence supporting the intended interpretation and use of scores.

Predictive vs. Concurrent Validity

Comparing test scores with a later outcome vs. a criterion measured at approximately the same time.

Content vs. Criterion-Related vs. Construct Validity

Job-content representation vs. relationship with an outcome vs. measurement of a psychological construct.

Multiple-Hurdle vs. Compensatory Selection

Applicants must pass each stage vs. stronger scores in one area may offset weaker scores elsewhere.

Structured vs. Unstructured Interview

Standardized questions and scoring vs. more variable questions and procedures.

Training Needs Assessment vs. Training Evaluation

Identifying what training is needed vs. determining whether training worked.

Training Reaction vs. Learning vs. Behavior vs. Results

Satisfaction with training vs. learning gained vs. job application vs. organizational impact.

Leniency vs. Strictness vs. Central Tendency

Ratings consistently too high vs. consistently too low vs. ratings clustered near the middle.

Halo vs. Horns Effect

One positive impression influences other ratings vs. one negative impression influences other ratings.

Expectancy vs. Instrumentality vs. Valence

Effort leads to performance vs. performance leads to rewards vs. value of the rewards.

Positive vs. Negative Reinforcement

Adding a desirable consequence vs. removing an unpleasant condition; both increase behavior.

Reinforcement vs. Punishment

Increasing behavior vs. decreasing behavior.

Intrinsic vs. Extrinsic Motivation

Motivation from the activity itself vs. motivation from an external outcome.

Affective vs. Continuance vs. Normative Commitment

Wanting to stay vs. the cost of leaving vs. feeling obligated to stay.

Job Satisfaction vs. Organizational Commitment

Feelings about the job vs. attachment to the organization.

Person-Job Fit vs. Person-Organization Fit

Match with job requirements or rewards vs. match with organizational values and characteristics.

Task Conflict vs. Relationship Conflict

Disagreement about work vs. interpersonal tension.

Social Facilitation vs. Social Loafing

Others’ presence may affect individual performance vs. reduced individual effort in a group.

Leader Emergence vs. Leader Performance

Becoming recognized as a leader vs. being effective as a leader.

Transformational vs. Transactional Leadership

Inspiring change and shared purpose vs. exchanges, expectations, and rewards.

Role Conflict vs. Role Ambiguity

Incompatible expectations vs. unclear expectations.

Problem-Focused vs. Emotion-Focused Coping

Addressing the source of stress vs. managing the emotional response.

Flextime vs. Compressed Workweek

Flexibility in start and finish times vs. completing usual weekly hours in fewer days.

Organizational Culture vs. Organizational Climate

Shared values and assumptions vs. shared perceptions of workplace practices.