INDIVIDUAL DIFFERENCES AND RELATIONAL INTERDEPENDENCES IN SOCIAL INTERACTION

This research argues for the integration of individual difference and relational models in understanding social interaction. Two longitudinal studies are reported that investigate dyadic perceptions within a small group context. A round-robin design and variance partitioning procedures were used to isolate consistent individual differences and unique relational interdependencies in perceptions of leadership, openness, and liking. Both studies indicate that the magnitudes of individual level consistencies and unique relational interdependence vary as a function of characteristics assessed and the length of the relationship. The implications for conceptualizing and measuring relational aspects of interaction and for understanding the interface between individual difference and relational explanations for social interaction are discussed.     

The Social and Psychological Impact of Unemployment

This article reviews recent studies on the social and psychological impact of unemployment. Included are the economic costs of unemployment, the impact on the family and the individual, and recommended methods for providing services.     

STRUCTURED INTERVIEWING: RAISING THE PSYCHOMETRIC PROPERTIES OF THE EMPLOYMENT INTERVIEW

A highly structured employment interviewing technique is proposed, which includes the following steps: (1) develop questions based on a job analysis, (2) ask the same questions of each candidate, (3) anchor the rating scales for scoring answers with examples and illustrations, (4) have an interview panel record and rate answers, (5) consistently administer the process to all candidates, and (6) give special attention to job relatedness, fairness, and documentation in accordance with testing guidelines. Examination of psychometric properties for hiring entry-level production employees ( n = 149) reveals high interrater reliability ( r = .88) and predictive validity (uncorrected r = .34, corrected r = .56), as well as evidence for test fairness and utility. The levels of these properties are comparable to those of a comparison battery of typical employment tests, and correlations with the tests suggest that the interview has a strong cognitive aptitude component. Potential explanations for the effectiveness of this structured interviewing technique are discussed.     

E. Joseph Shoben,Jr.: Synthesizer in an Age of Specialization

E. Joseph Shoben, Jr., a pioneer in the development of counseling, was interviewed about his intellectual and career development, his views of the present and future of counseling, his ideas about several issues in psychotherapy, and his reflections about himself and his career. In addition, several others who know Shoben were interviewed about him.     

A SURVEY OF ASSESSMENT CENTER PRACTICES IN ORGANIZATIONS IN THE UNITED STATES

Two hundred fifteen organizations in the United States provided information about multiple aspects of their assessment centers, including design, usage, and their adherence to professional guidelines and research-based suggestions for the use of this method. Results reveal that centers are usually conducted for selection, promotion, and development purposes. Supervisor recommendation plays a sizable role in choosing center participants. Most often, line managers act as assessors; they typically arrive at participant ratings through a consensus process. In general, respondents indicate close adherence to recommendations for center design and assessor training. Recommendations involving other practices (e.g., informing participants, evaluating assessors, validating center results) are frequently not followed. Furthermore, methods thought to improve predictive validity of center ratings are underutilized. Variability in center practices according to industry and center purpose was revealed. We encourage practitioners to follow recommendations for center usage, and researchers to work to better understand moderators of center validity.     

Managing Mental Health Crises of Foreign College Students

Student services professionals manage a number of mental health crises as part of their job responsibilities. This article examines some of the issues that arise from assisting foreign college students experiencing such crises, with special focus on psychiatric committal, withdrawal from school, and return to the home county.