Logical and judgmental moderators of the criterion-related validity of personality scales

The criterion-related validity of a personality scale depends upon both log ical and judgmental factors. Degree of logical implication between individu al scales and criterion behaviours was assessed in terms of independently m easured conceptual concordance, which was shown to be strongly associated w ith measured validity in a sample of managers. It is thus essential to cont rol for conceptual concordance when examining Ether possible moderators of validity. In respect of judgmental moderators, behavioural criteria rated a s more observable were found to yield significantly greater validity than l ess observable behaviours, and conceptual concordance and criterion observa bility were shown to interact to determine validity. Gender differences in judgments were also found: validity of a personality scale was significantl y greater when criterion-ratings were provided by male managers of male sub ordinates than when male managers judged female subordinates. It is importa nt to cite validity coefficients within specified boundary conditions, in r espect of both conceptual concordance and judgmental attributes.