Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) Practice Test

In job performance measures, what is considered the "ultimate" criterion?

1. A measure of performance with perfect correlation to the predictor

2. A measure unaffected by measurement error

3. A theoretical measure that cannot actually be achieved

4. The actual measure of the empirical criterion

The correct answer is: A theoretical measure that cannot actually be achieved

The ultimate criterion in job performance measures refers to a theoretical measure that represents an ideal or perfect assessment of job performance. This concept is not something that can be practically achieved because it would require a comprehensive evaluation that accounts for all possible facets of performance without any confounding variables or measurement errors. Thus, the notion of an ultimate criterion serves as an aspirational standard against which actual performance measures can be evaluated, acknowledging that any real-world attempt to assess job performance will likely fall short due to various limitations such as biases, inaccuracies, and contextual factors. In practical terms, while one may aim to develop performance measures that closely align with this ultimate standard, the elusive nature of perfection means that the ultimate criterion remains theoretical. This distinction helps guide researchers and practitioners in understanding the goals of their measurement efforts and the realities they must navigate in applied settings.