Discussion: View Thread

On 10 Mar 98 at 17:17, Tim Edlund wrote:


> There is too much emphasis placed on academic "proof"

Tim, in some instances where things like psychological tests are
represented as "scientific" and built on empirical studies, I think
it makes sense to examine the claims and the data.

The basic element that separates psychological testing from, let's
say Tarot, or astrology is the degree to which there is evidence to
support whether a test measures what it says it measures.

This isn't just an "academic" consideration. There ARE people out
there in management and HR who use certain tests for selection.
Sadly, that can be extremely costly in terms of legal issues, UNLESS
it can be shown through data and empirical research, that the tests
are valid for the purpose they are intended for. So we are back to
the research.

In my view (and others can certainly differ) it doesn't serve anyone
to teach managers about psychological testing without also teaching
them the understanding to make informed, legally prudent decisions
regarding their use in their environment. As many have indicated
there are people out there using tests incorrectly. The only way to
help them to use them correctly is to explain what they are good for,
why they are good for that purpose...and the data to support those
conclusions.

But if testing is to be something other than "astrology" it will be
the data which makes it so.


Robert Bacal, Inst.For Cooperative Communication, rbacal@escape.ca
Visit our Resource Centre for articles on mgmt.,training,communication, and defusing hostility
at http://www.escape.ca/~rbacal (204) 888-9290

I tend to agree with Tim on this issue. There are too many responses
that are send to the list which are primarily meant for a particular
person. Sometimes, I feel a little "overwhelmed" with the volley of
responses.

Regards.

Kunal Banerji

If the shoe fits - consider that I'm seeing a trend which I don't like.

There are too many attacks or near attacks on persons on the net
There is too much belief that only "I" know the truth
There is too much emphasis placed on academic "proof"
and there is too much overt hustling of partciular commercial products

There are also too many public replies which should be private
Too many of us apparently do not keep the sign-on messages

Can we collectively do something more about this, before more of us get
discouraged and sign off? [If we remember how, or look at the filed away
sign-on message, at least that won't annoy others.]

Tim,

You are so right. I tend to simply delete messages associated with some
list members rather than take the time to read them because of I have
noted their tendency to mount the bully pulpit. I don't know about
anyone else, but the more I learn, the more convinced I am that my way
is NOT the only way.

I have stumbled along the same academic paths as many others on the list
(currently involved in my dissertation), and I realize there is a place
for rigorous research methodology. But, as a real-time, workplace
educator, I also know what works. There is no need to polarize on this
issue if we remain outcome focused.

If I wanted to be barraged with commercialism, I'd be on AOL. It would
be nice if list members would indicate - in the subject - that the
message is a commercial one. Wouldn't it be better simply to have it
deleted than to make readers angry?


-----Original Message-----
From: Tim Edlund [SMTP:tedlund@MORGAN.EDU]
Sent: Tuesday, March 10, 1998 4:18 PM
To: MG-ED-DV@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
Subject: [MG-ED-DV] Civility and commercialism

If the shoe fits - consider that I'm seeing a trend which I
don't like.

There are too many attacks or near attacks on persons on the net
There is too much belief that only "I" know the truth
There is too much emphasis placed on academic "proof"
and there is too much overt hustling of partciular commercial
products

There are also too many public replies which should be private
Too many of us apparently do not keep the sign-on messages

Can we collectively do something more about this, before more of
us get
discouraged and sign off? [If we remember how, or look at the
filed away
sign-on message, at least that won't annoy others.]

Tim--My delete key continues to be very effective :-)
Dick

Dick Dailey
Department of Management
University of Montana
Missoula, MT 59812-1216 BIG SKY COUNTRY!!
406 243 6644/Voice-Office
406 549 6876/Voice-Home Office
406 243 2086/Fax
rtd@selway.umt.edu

Regarding Tim Edlund's comment on netiquette and common sense:

Tim, you've made the only remark I've felt like responding to since
joining this list serve. Bravo.

I enjoy targeted discussion and have benefitted from SOME of what I see
on Mg-ed-dv, but find that MUCH of what we see here is self-serving.

What a shame...

Susan Stites-Doe, SUNY Brockport

Since the large volume at the moment is on this issue, and the list
owner has already commented on this thread, would it be possible to
direct comments to him (if he is interested in hearing them)?

I personally don't mind the discussion, but this conversation must be
at best contributing to the problems it is meant to address for those
people who are having volume difficulties.

Is there something being accomplished here with all the "me too"
comments flooding the list?




Robert Bacal, Inst.For Cooperative Communication, rbacal@escape.ca
Visit our Resource Centre for articles on mgmt.,training,communication, and defusing hostility
at http://www.escape.ca/~rbacal (204) 888-9290

Here, here!

On Tue, 10 Mar 1998, Richard T Dailey wrote:

> Tim--My delete key continues to be very effective :-)
> Dick
>
> Dick Dailey
> Department of Management
> University of Montana
> Missoula, MT 59812-1216 BIG SKY COUNTRY!!
> 406 243 6644/Voice-Office
> 406 549 6876/Voice-Home Office
> 406 243 2086/Fax
> rtd@selway.umt.edu
>