Which statement best describes the ethical stance on screening tests used for personnel selection, particularly for sexual orientation?

• A. Projective tests are the preferred method
• B. Projective tests are acceptable for screening homosexual tendencies
• C. Projective tests are unethical for assessing sexual orientation
• D. Projective tests have no validity concerns and can be used freely

Answer: (C)

Screening for sexual orientation in personnel selection is unethical and inappropriate because it targets a protected personal characteristic and has no job-related value. Professional ethics require that tests used in hiring be valid for predicting job performance and not used to discriminate against individuals based on attributes like sexual orientation. There is no scientifically sound basis for inferring someone’s sexual orientation from a test, and using such information would invade privacy and stigmatize candidates. Because of these concerns, employing tests to assess sexual orientation violates ethical guidelines and employment testing standards. The other statements imply validity or permissibility of this practice, which conflicts with the ethical and legal expectations that hiring decisions be based on relevant qualifications and demonstrated ability, not on private or protected traits.