Adaptive Performance and Trainability as Criteria in Selection Research

Abstract In this chapter, we examine issues relevant to incorporating trainability and adaptive performance into selection research. We adopt the definition of adaptive performance suggested by Pulakos et al. (2000) that specified eight dimensions defining this construct. One of these dimensions, leaning new tasks, technology, and procedures, was used to define trainability. We then examine recent models of adaptive performance and training to identify likely predictors of adaptability and trainability and propose a method for determining when and where these criteria should be included and explicitly predicted in selection research. We examine the pros and cons associated with different criterion measures and recommend that typical rating measures potentially supplemented by lower-fidelity work sample measures be incorporated in selection research. Finally, we discuss gaps in the current literature and recommend areas for future research.