Dimension and exercise variance in assessment center scores: A large-scaleevaluation of multitrait-multimethod studies

This study addresses 3 questions regarding assessment center construct vali dity: (a) Are assessment center ratings best thought of is reflecting dimen sion constructs (dimension model). exercises (exercise model). or a combina tion? (b) To A hat extent do dimensions or exercises account for variance? (c) Which design characteristics increase dimension variance? To this end, a large set of multitrait-multimethod studies (N = 34) were analyzed, showi ng that assessment center ratings were best represented (i.e., in terms of fit and admissible solutions) by a model with correlated dimensions and exe rcises specified Lis correlated uniquenesses. In this model. dimension vari ance equals exercise variance. Significantly more dimension variance was fo und when fewer dimensions were used and when assessors were psychologists. Use of behavioral checklists, a lower dimension-exercise ratio. and similar exercises also increased dimension variance.