Corrections for range restriction: An empirical investigation of conditions resulting in conservative corrections

Analyzed the findings of over 700 criterion-related validity studies concerning (a) the relationship between the magnitude of the standard deviation (SD) of the predictor and the magnitude of the predictive validity, (b) the effect of corrections for range restriction, assuming explicit selection was based solely on the single predictor, and (c) the effect of corrections for range restriction, assuming selection was based on an unknown 3rd variable that had plausible correlations with the predictor and the criterion. As expected, a strong positive relationship was found in (a). Assumption of explicit selection, as in (b), reduced but did not eliminate the positive relationship between the SD and the corrected predictive validity. This relationship was reduced by corrections, as in (c). It is concluded that the usual correction for range restriction is better than the uncorrected coefficient but is still apt to provide a conservative estimate. More frequent use of corrections is encouraged. (11 ref)