What is a characteristic of work samples in performance tests?

Work samples in performance tests are designed to closely emulate the actual tasks and responsibilities that a job entails. This means that candidates are evaluated based on their ability to perform real-world tasks they would encounter in their prospective job roles. By simulating these job tasks, work samples provide a practical assessment of a candidate's skills and competencies, which can lead to more accurate predictions of job performance.

This approach is distinct from other types of assessments. For instance, while cognitive skills assessments focus on reasoning, problem-solving, or analytical abilities, work samples integrate those elements in tasks similar to what a candidate would be doing in the workplace. Similarly, measuring integrity-related attitudes is not the primary purpose of work samples, nor do they assess responses to hypothetical scenarios. Instead, the emphasis is on actual performance in job-relevant scenarios, making them a highly effective evaluation tool in organizational settings. This hands-on approach ensures that the evaluation is grounded in the practical realities of the job, providing both the organization and candidates with a clear understanding of capabilities and expectations.