A NOTE ON DIRECT RANGE RESTRICTION CORRECTIONS IN UTILITY ANALYSIS

Brogden's equations for employment test utility analysis have been used in conjunction with direct range restriction correction formulas, because the data used typically come from selected applicant (incumbent) samples. We show that the use of direct range restriction corrections in utility analysis is not needed. Identical results can be obtained using a simpler equation that employs a regression coefficient based on the employee (i.e., restricted or job incumbent) population. This utility estimation procedure, which does not employ range restriction corrections, is derived and discussed. We recommend that this new equation be used in the practice of selection utility analysis because it not only provides identical utility estimates to those obtained using current equations that employ direct range restriction correction formulas, but also is computationally simpler.     

When does performance feedback prompt complementarity in romantic relationships?

Two studies addressed five issues concerning complementarity in romantic relationships and suggest that complementarity deserves a new look. Dating couples (N= 28 couples) and married couples (N= 43). were given performance feedback to assess effects on self and perceived partner relevance. We found that comparison with a partner but not comparison with a stranger prompted complementarity (Study 1). Comparison resulted in complementarity and did not merely change self‐image (Studies 1 and 2). Both outperforming the partner and being outperformed by the partner can prompt complementarity (Study 2). Ceding areas to the partner in response to being outperformed was relatively automatic (Study 2). And, degree of development in the relationship influenced response to comparison‐feedback (Studies 1 and 2). Findings suggest that partners in romantic relationships automatically protect their views of the relationship as a “team” by increasing “perceived complementarity” in response to differential performance feedback.     

Poaching,promiscuity, and deceit: Combatting mating rivalry in same‐sex friendships

If humans faced recurrently over evolutionary history the adaptive problem of competition with same‐sex friends for mates, they may have evolved psychological mechanisms designed to prevent and combat mating rivalry with same‐sex friends. Four studies were conducted to test hypotheses about the design of these mechanisms. In Studies 1 and 2 (N= 406 and N= 342, respectively) we found that, as predicted, people experience more upset in response to imagined rivalry from a friend than from a stranger. In Study 3 (N= 455), in which a between‐subjects design was utilized, we found that women's, but not men's, willingness to become friends with a member of the same sex is lower when the person is described as sexually promiscuous. In Study 4 (N= 169) we found that people report being deceived by friends about mating rivalry more often than they themselves report engaging in deceit about rivalry, and women more than men deceive each other about how sexually experienced and promiscuous they are. Discussion addresses implications of the findings and the use of an evolutionary approach for understanding conflict in same‐sex friendship.     

Machiavellian flexibility in negative mate retention

Among the Dark Triad traits (psychopathy, narcissism, and Machiavellianism), Machiavellianism is uniquely associated with flexibility. This flexibility should result in the use of aggressive short‐term tactics only when they do not interfere with long‐term goals. Study 1 found that individuals high in Machiavellianism differed from those high in psychopathy with respect to retrospective accounts of negative mate retention tactics. Study 2 found an interaction between Machiavellianism and relationship type such that individuals high in Machiavellianism tempered the use of negative tactics for long‐term (but not short‐term) relationships. The findings highlight the flexibility of the Machiavellianism construct and its relevance to mating strategies among the Dark Triad.     

From novice to expert: Issues of concern in the training of psychologists

This article raises a specific concern that is highlighted by the recent decision to raise the minimum standard for registration as a psychologist in Australia to postgraduate masters degree level. It is suggested that such an objective is limited because it does not address other, more important variables required to ensure that minimum standards for registration as a psychologist are achieved. Specifically, it is proposed that unless the existing methodology and content of both undergraduate and fourth year graduate university training for psychologists is improved to incorporate vital areas of practice, standards will continue to remain low regardless of the introduction of compulsory fifth and sixth years of postgraduate education. This article provides an overview of the issue while suggesting an alternative approach for developing professional expertise in those wishing to embark on a career in psychology.