title: The social validity of a national assessment centre for selection into general practice training.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Internationally, recruiting the best candidates is central to the success of postgraduate training programs and the quality of the medical workforce. So far there has been little theoretically informed research considering selection systems from the perspective of the candidates. We explored candidates' perception of the fairness of a National Assessment Centre (NAC) approach for selection into Australian general practice training, where candidates were assessed by a Multiple Mini Interview (MMI) and a written Situational Judgment Test (SJT), for suitability to undertake general practice (GP) training.
  
  
  METHODS
  In 2013, 1,930 medical practitioners, who were eligible to work in Australia attended one of 14 NACs in each of 5 states and 2 territories. A survey was distributed to each candidate at the conclusion of their assessment, which included open-ended questions aimed at eliciting candidates' perceived benefits and challenges of the selection process. A framework analysis was informed by the theoretical lens of Social Validity Theory.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Qualitative data was available from 46% (n = 886/1,930) of candidates, who found the NAC experience fair and informative for their training and career goals, but wanted to be provided with more information in preparation. Candidates valued being able to communicate their skills during the MMI, but found some difficulty in interpreting the questions. A significant minority had concerns that a lack of relevant GP experience may inhibit their performance. Candidates also expressed concerns about the time limits within the written paper, particularly if English was not their first language. They also expressed a desire for formative feedback during the interview process.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  During any job selection process, not only is the organisation assessing the candidates, but the candidates are also assessing the organisation. However, a focus on the candidate experience throughout an organisation's selection process may provide benefits to both candidates and the organisation, regardless of whether or not candidates secured the job. Social Validity Theory is a useful addition to the methods for demonstrating the reasonableness of any selection system.
authors.affiliation: Sydney Medical School-Central, The University of Sydney, Building 63, level 4, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Missenden Road, Camperdown, NSW 2050, New South Wales, Australia. annette.burgess@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Burgess
authors.affiliation: Sydney Medical School-Northern, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Christopher.roberts@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Roberts
authors.affiliation: Sydney Medical School, Office of Medical Education, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. tyler.clark@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Tyler
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.affiliation: Sydney Medical School-Northern, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Karyn.mossman@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Karyn
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Mossman
mesh_terms: D001315:Australia; D004521:Educational Measurement / Q000379:methods; D005194:Family Practice / Q000193:education*; D005246:Feedback; D006801:Humans; D007407:Interviews as Topic; D007600:Judgment; D012570:School Admission Criteria; D063586:Social Validity, Research