Set Up for Failure? – Exploring the Inclusivity of the Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test & Conference: Wisdom in Times of Crisis ILA

Tammy Pozzobon was granted Research and Professional Development funding to explore cognitive testing of diverse applicants to ensure equal opportunity and attend the ILA conference.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL: The Alberta Police Cognitive Ability Test (APCAT) has been utilized to assess one’s potential to successfully complete police recruit training and to perform effectively in the province of Alberta. As applicants are only granted three attempts before being deferred for life, members of diverse communities may be unfairly denied the opportunity to proceed in the application process.
This mixed-methods study will begin with a literature review on the impact of cognitive testing on diverse applicants. The full study to follow will examine the impact of the current test as it relates to diverse applicants. The primary draft research question is ‘How might the APCAT be revised to ensure equal opportunity for applicants from diverse communities?’ With the assistance of police chiefs in Alberta, potential participants will be invited to complete a survey and engage in a qualitative interview to explore their experiences and relevance of the current APCAT test.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATION: Attend and present at the ILA conference together with research collaborators from the School of Leadership on the topic of Wisdom in Times of Crisis.