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Again, the alternative to standardized tests and credentials is hiring based on connections, ethnicity, pedigree, physical appearance, and superficial confidenc

by knzhou 7y ago

Again, the alternative to standardized tests and credentials is hiring based on connections, ethnicity, pedigree, physical appearance, and superficial confidence. These problems are exactly why meritocracy was invented in the first place. The alternative is not everybody getting the jobs they want, it's you being turned away without any consideration at all because the boss already hired their cousin. > How objective are, e.g, IQ tests when I can take two different tests in a span of two hours and get from 128 to 146? You can't take two proper WAIS-IV tests in two hours. In fact, unless you have been part of an unusual psychology study, you've probably never taken a real IQ test in your life. There are a lot of gimmicky free things on the internet that call themselves IQ tests but aren't predictive of anything.

rglullis 7y ago
You are moving the goal posts. I was talking only about standardized tests, and now you are also including credentials on the mix. As for the IQ test - it wasn't online and it wasn't a study, as far as I know - but I can totally concede that it was not a "real" IQ test. Anyway, the story happened over 20 years ago. Part of the driving exam in Brazil included a "neuro-psychological evaluation" and the doctor flagged me for some extra tests. From what I remember I went to the clinic the next week, did one test, did the "neuro-technical" exam and was told to wait for an IQ test. When I got the form, it was the same as I got before originally (different order of questions) Long story short I asked why I was re-taking the test and I thought I "failed" somehow. They actually said they were not aware of the first one and later on found it. Now that I think about it, perhaps it was some weird psychology test? :)