College grade point average as a personnel selection device: Ethnic group differences and potential adverse impact

Authors
Citation
Pl. Roth et P. Bobko, College grade point average as a personnel selection device: Ethnic group differences and potential adverse impact, J APPL PSYC, 85(3), 2000, pp. 399-406
Citations number
49
Categorie Soggetti
Psycology
Journal title
JOURNAL OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
ISSN journal
00219010 → ACNP
Volume
85
Issue
3
Year of publication
2000
Pages
399 - 406
Database
ISI
SICI code
0021-9010(200006)85:3<399:CGPAAA>2.0.ZU;2-6
Abstract
College grade point average (GPA) is often used in a variety of ways in per sonnel selection. Unfortunately, there is Little empirical research literat ure in human resource management that informs researchers or practitioners about the magnitude of ethnic group differences and any potential adverse i mpact implications when using cumulative GPA for selection. Data from a med ium-sized university in the Southeast (N = 7,498) indicate that the standar dized average Black-White difference for cumulative GPA in the senior year is d = 0.78. The authors also conducted analyses at 3 GPA screens (3.00, 3. 25, and 3.50) to demonstrate that employers (or educators) might face adver se impact at all 3 levels if GPA continues to be implemented as part of a s election system. Implications and future research are discussed.