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Psychological assessment for security clearances, special access, and sensitive positions
1Psychology Services, 3750th Medical Group (Air Training Command), Sheppard AFB, TX 76311-5300.
Military Medicine
|September 1, 1993
Summary
This study addresses challenges in psychological evaluations for security clearances and sensitive roles. It details issues with criterion validity, known as the NEXUS issue, and offers solutions for assessment methods and reporting.
Area of Science:
- Psychological assessment
- Security clearances
- Personnel selection
Background:
- Psychological evaluations are crucial for roles requiring access to sensitive information.
- Existing assessment methods face challenges in accurately predicting job performance and security risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify and explain issues in psychological assessments for security clearances.
- To propose practical solutions for improving criterion validity and assessment reporting.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of criterion validity challenges, specifically the NEXUS issue.
- Review of practical approaches for resolving assessment problems.
- Examination of assessment technique selection and report writing.
Main Results:
- Criterion validity (NEXUS issue) presents a significant challenge in security assessments.
- Specific problems in assessment technique selection and report writing were identified.
Conclusions:
- Addressing the NEXUS issue is vital for accurate psychological assessments.
- Improved methods for technique selection and report writing can enhance the reliability of security evaluations.