ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on how to use biodata. The first step is job analysis which provides important clues as to what biographical items to select but perhaps more importantly to find what dependent, criteria to measure in each job. Various different methods and measures exist with individual strengths and weaknesses. The next step is the obtaining of biodata items that might predict work related behaviour. All sorts of items can be used and there is evidence that some types tend to be more reliably measured. There also remain different types of scoring and validation measures from the totally atheoretical empirical to the more interpretative. Most items used in biodata are simple self-descriptive, self-report items. Walther attempted to predict performance and turnover criteria of Foreign Service clerical applicants.
