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The Linear Utility Model for Optimal Selection

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  01 January 2025

Gideon J. Mellenbergh  and
Wim J. van der Linden
Gideon J. Mellenbergh*
Affiliation:
University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam
Wim J. van der Linden
Affiliation:
Twente University of Technology, Enschede
*
Requests for reprints should be addressed to Gideon J. Mellenbergh, Universiteit van Ansterdam, Psychologisch Laboratorium, Vakgroep Methodenleer, Weesperplein 8, 1018 XA Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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Abstract

A linear utility model is introduced for optimal selection when several subpopulations of applicants are to be distinguished. Using this model, procedures are described for obtaining optimal cutting scores in subpopulations in quota-free as well as quota-restricted selection situations. The cutting scores are optimal in the sense that they maximize the overall expected utility of the selection process. The procedures are demonstrated with empirical data.

Keywords

culture-fair selectionthreshold utility
Type
Original Paper
Information
Psychometrika , Volume 46 , Issue 3 , September 1981 , pp. 283 - 293
Copyright
Copyright © 1981 The Psychometric Society

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Footnotes

The order of the names of the authors is alphabetical; they are equally responsible for the content. We thank Fred N. Kerlinger for his comments, Henk van der Flier for making available his data, and Ineke Wesling and Erna Bot for typing the manuscript.

References

Reference Note

van der Flier, H., & Drenth, P. J. D. Fair selection and comparability of test scores. Paper presented at the Third International Symposium on Educational Testing, Leiden, The Netherlands, June 1977.Google Scholar

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