Researchers are developing and validating Mediation Skills Assessment Program (MAP). The MAP comprises,role-play exercises, work samples, structured interviews, and/or other tests shown to be valid predictors of success in mediator jobs. Because MAP identifies individuals who are likely to be talented mediators, and reduces costs associated with poor mediator performance and/or high mediator turnover, MAP enables Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) programs to select, develop, and maintain a high quality mediator workforce. The strongest predictor validation programs integrate content, construct, and criterion-related methods. Using a construct and/or content-oriented approach to the development of predictors is good science. Researchers are developing predictors that have strong content and/or construct-oriented support and undertaking a criterion-related validation study. Researchers are determining whether criterion-relat6d validation is appropriate or feasible and the type(s) of mediator jobs being studied.The potential commercial application as described by the awardee: The research will yield several products useful to ADR Programs: a Job Analysis Questionnaire (JAQ), a database of JAQ data, the Medication Skills Assessment,Program, a Client Satisfaction Survey, and Supervisory Rating Scales. Because there currently are no validated personnel management tools available to the mediation community, any one of these products could be marketed to such organizations.
