Last Thursday, we had the pleasure of welcoming our Scientific Advisory Board to ITB for an insightful exchange on current research questions and methodological challenges. A big thank you to Professor Franzis Preckel (Trier), Professor Martin Kersting (Giessen), and Professor André Beauducel (Bonn) for their valuable contributions!
Here are some key topics we explored:
Socio-Economic Status & Test Performance
Educational opportunities often correlate with social background. We are investigating the relationship between socio-economic status and performance in various study aptitude tests, including:
- TMS (Test for Medical Studies)
- GTEBS (Graduate Test for Economics, Business & Social Sciences)
- Bucerius Law School Admission Test
- PhaST (Pharmacy Aptitude Test)
- ITB-Science (Aptitude Test for Natural Sciences)
Our goal: To ensure fair selection procedures that identify potential beyond traditional indicators.
Future Evaluation of the TMS
Our psychometricians presented analyses on item response theory (IRT) models using data from 30,000+ test participants. We discussed the best model for future evaluations and whether new knowledge modules could be assessed using IRT-based methods.
Acceptance of Assessment & Development Centers
We apply an extended version of Martin Kersting’s AKZEPT! AC questionnaire to examine factors influencing candidate acceptance of assessment and development centers. Our research aims to enhance personal development benefits and practical relevance to better align procedures with participants’ needs.
This meeting once again highlighted the importance of bridging science and practice for innovative, fair, and effective aptitude diagnostics. We look forward to continuing these discussions in our next (digital) meeting in autumn!
