Fair testing

We pay a lot of attention to inclusion and diversity in our assessments and find it very important that our assessments and psychological tests are fair.

We therefore conduct extensive, scientific research into the possible influence of culture, migration background, gender or age on our instruments. For example, we conduct bias research, ensure that instructions are as clear as possible, do not use unnecessarily difficult words or expressions and offer candidates the opportunity to practice. It is also possible to use specific reference or norm groups for certain tests.

Scientific research

The importance that NOA attaches to the impartiality of psychological tests has also led us to fund a professor who is involved in this research. This chair 'Work and Personnel Psychology, in particular people with a migration background' is affiliated with the Social & Organizational Psychology section of the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam. The chair is currently held by Prof. Dr. Marise Born. Marise also works as a professor at the Erasmus University in Rotterdam. For more information about Marise and her work: personal page Marise Born.

What is an honest test?

A fair test is a test that has been developed in such a way that people with different genders, ages, cultural, linguistic or social backgrounds get the fairest possible chance to show what they can do. This requires attention to language use, content of test questions, standardization, interpretation and possible bias. Fair measurement and attention to different backgrounds is an important part of our mission.

Why is fair measurement important?

Fair measurement is important because test results can influence people's chances, for example in selection, admission, guidance or career advice. If a test unintentionally favors or disadvantages certain groups, it can lead to incorrect conclusions. Therefore, it is important that tests measure what they are supposed to measure as objectively as possible, and are influenced as little as possible by irrelevant background features. Our mission is aimed at developing objective and fair psychological tests for people from different backgrounds.

How does NOA take diversity into account?

NOA pays attention to diversity by developing tests for people from different backgrounds in terms of culture, language, age and gender. This means that test development and interpretation look at fairness, objectivity and suitability for a variety of target groups. Various target groups are already involved in the development of the questions and research is carried out into partiality. Then research is done to see if tests also measure what they mean to measure in different groups. And when drawing up the norm groups, representativeness is taken into account (are the different groups evenly distributed in the norm group).

Are NOA tests suitable for candidates from different backgrounds?

NOA develops tests with a focus on candidates from different backgrounds. This includes gender, age, cultural, linguistic and social differences. The goal is for test results to reflect relevant abilities, interests, personality or competencies as closely as possible. The NOA tests have all been examined and adjusted to prevent partiality.

What does objective measurement mean?

Objective measurement means that test results depend as little as possible on random impressions, personal preferences or subjective assessments. An objective test uses fixed questions, clear instructions, standardized scoring and clear rules of interpretation. As a result, results can be compared more carefully and used in decisions about selection, guidance, development or study advice.