What is the CASPer Test?
CASPer (Computer-Based Assessment for Sampling Personal Characteristics) is an open response situational judgment test that attempts to learn more about your soft skills and character traits. It does so by placing you in difficult situations and observing how you navigate through such scenarios. These scenarios can range anything from personal to professional situations. The CASPer Test provides measures of your professionalism and social intelligence to the educational institutions you are applying to, enabling them to pinpoint applicants who have a higher probability of thriving in their program. This test is conducted by Acuity Insights. You can find more information about Acuity Insights using the following link.
What Characteristics/Values Does the CASPer Test Assess?
Casper assesses specifically the 10 following character traits: collaboration, communication, empathy, equity, ethics, motivation, problem solving, professionalism, resilience, self- awareness. Scenarios on the CASPer Test are carefully selected to ensure that each of these character traits are included. It is important to correctly identify what characteristics are being tested on each question and how you can showcase them more effectively.
What is the CASPer Test Composed of? What is the Structure of the Test?
In the CASPer test you will be challenged with 14 scenarios mimicking real life situations that can occur in personal and team settings and you will be asked questions about how you will react in these scenarios. These scenarios will be shown to you in both word based and video based formats and you will either type your responses or record a video of yourself responding to the scenario. It is important to pay attention to the videos on the CASPer test as you will not be able to pause or rewind them. You can turn on closed captioning (CC) in the video based scenarios.
2 Sections
The CASPer test can be broken down into 2 sections based on the type of response you provide to the scenario. The first section is the video response section consisting of the first 6 scenarios. The second section is the typed response section consisting of 8 scenarios. Each of these scenarios can be presented to you in either video based or word based formats.
Video Response Section
Out of the 6 video response scenarios you will be presented with 4 video based scenarios and 2 word based scenarios in randomized order. After seeing each scenario you will have 30 seconds of reflection time. Then you will be responding to 2 questions regarding that scenario (compared to 3 last year). You will only have 1 minute to record your response for each question. Recording automatically starts 10 seconds after the page loads giving you some time to read the question. After your time is up, your answers are automatically submitted. Each question will be presented to you one at a time. Therefore, after seeing the first question you don't know what the second question is.
Typed Response Section
Out of the 8 typed response scenarios you will be presented with 5 video based scenarios and 3 word based scenarios in randomized order. You are given 5 minutes to answer three questions regarding that scenario. You can start typing your answers as soon as the page loads and your answers will automatically be submitted after the timer is over. In the second section or typed responses section the three questions will be presented to you all at once. This is different from the video response section where you can only see each question one at a time.
Break
You will have an optional 10 minute break after the video response section (after completing the 6th scenario). You will also have an optional 5 minute break in the middle of the typed response section (after completing 4 typed response scenarios or the 12th scenario of the test). It is recommended that you take this time to go to the washroom, drink some water, stretch, and relax before resuming the test.
Total Length
It takes around 90-110 minutes to complete the test.
When to Reserve a Test?
You should reserve your CASPer Test at least 3 days in advance. However, it is recommended that you book your CASPer Test as soon as you identify the best time to write the test according to your situation. This can depend on many factors such as distribution deadlines, application numbers required for signing up etc. This is because payment processing, ID verification, and more than expected number of test takers for a specific date can prevent you from writing your CASPer Test.
Do You need a separate Reservation for Duet?
No, you do not need to make another reservation for Duet after signing up for the CASPer Test. If the school which you are writing the CASPer test for requires the Duet, Duet will be automatically available for you. You should complete Duet within 15 days of writing your CASPer Test.
What You Need for The CASPer Test
For the CASPer test you will need a desktop or laptop (tablets and phones are not supported) with a working camera and microphone, compatible browser (Google Chrome and Firefox) , and a good internet speed (at least 2 mb/s). You can carry out the Optional System Requirements check anytime after signing up to ensure that you have the necessary tools to carry out this exam. In order to sign up, you will need an ID verifying your identity,email, application number and a payment source.
A Mandatory System Requirements check must be performed within 6 hours before the start of your CASPer Test. It is best to carry this test with the same tools (computer, wifi, etc) that are planning on writing the CASPer Test with. Ensure that you disable your VPNs, Plug-ins and firewalls. Download and Install both supported browsers, as at times switching between them can fix unforeseen technical issues.
Technical Issues
If you run into any technical issues throughout your actual CASPer test or when going through the practice test offered by Acuity Insights, make sure to use the chat box at the bottom right corner to talk to a representative regarding this issue. Technical issues can range anything from videos not showing up, videos showing up without sound, or your voice not being picked up by your microphone.
What Can You Take to The CASPer Test
You are allowed to take with you blank pieces of paper, pens, pencils, non-alcoholic beverages and a snack.
Test Day
Ensure that on the day of your CASPer test friends or family members are not playing games or streaming movies using your internet, as this can slow down your test. Make sure that you write your CASPer test in space that is quiet and free of potential distractions. On test day, you can have a pen or pencil with a blank piece of paper with you so use it wisely.All test times are listed using EST (Eastern Standard Time). If you are in any other time zone, ensure that you attend the correct time for your scheduled test. You will need to sign in into your account in order to access your test. No links will be sent for your test.
Can You Add Programs to Your Program Distribution List After The CASPer Test?
You can add more programs to your program distribution list as long as their deadline has not passed, and the program requires the same CASPer Test type.
How are Responses Graded?
Raters of the CASPer test are from diverse cultural and regional backgrounds and undergo yearly training to eliminate potential bias in their evaluations. The raters that are chosen to evaluate the responses of a test taker will be from the same region of the candidate’s distribution list of CASPer results. Only one rater is responsible for evaluating responses to each scenario. Therefore your score will comprise of the impression of 14 unique raters. Each rater only evaluates the responses for one scenario in order to allow a more reliable comparison between the answers of other test takers. It is important to note that all the questions of each scenario are evaluated by a single rater.
Prior to evaluation raters are made aware of what each scenario is testing for. Raters focus on the meaning and content of answers and how they relate to CASPer characteristics and values. They use this information to see how test takers stand next to one another for each scenario. Raters do not focus on spelling, English proficiency, accents, incomplete sentences, environment, attire, appearance and length of response. You will receive a score out of 9 for each scenario and your total casper score will represent how you score on all 14 scenarios.
When are Scores Released?
2-3 weeks after completing the CASPer test, the schools on your distribution list will receive your score, as long as their deadline of receiving scores has not passed. You will receive a quartile score 4-5 weeks after completing the CASPer Test. This score illustrates within what quarter of test takers your score ranks, with 4th quartile being the best and 1st quartile being the lowest. You will receive an email when your score is available and you can login into your account to view your score.
Can You Retake The CASPer Test?
Applicants to a specific program are only allowed to write the CASPer Test once per year.
How to Reserve a test?
The CASPer test is taken online and there is no limit on the number of seats available for each test. However, it is recommended that you sign up for a test date at least 3 days in advance.
You will need the following in order to book a CASPer Test: government-issued photo ID (English/French), valid email address, application identification number, payment source
To browse and view test dates of different schools, you will need to go to Acuity Insights, then click Date and Times or click this link.
If you Click Reserve test button on the home page or after viewing the available test dates and times, you will be directed to the sign up page.
To book a CASPer test, you will first need to sign up.
After signing in, click reservations on the top left, then click reserve CASPer Test on the top right.
You will be presented with this page, where you can pick the program country, admission cycle, program type, schools, and the CASPer Test dates that allow you to distribute your results to these schools.
Application Fees
You will be required to pay a base fee in order to write the CASPer Test. This base fee allows you to submit your test scores to a number of programs. You will be required to pay an additional fee for each program you add to your distribution list. For example, applicants for undergraduate medical education (UME) programs are required to pay a base fee of 85 dollars that allows them to send their scores to 7 programs. They will be required to pay a distribution fee of 16 dollars for any additional program they want to send their results to.
Fees will differ based on the category of the CASPer test. Upon reserving your CASPer Test you will be able to see the exact amount which you will be paying.
There are no additional costs for Duet, if the school that you are applying to requires it.
Fee Assistance Programs
If you are approved for fee assistance programs through AAMC, AACOMAS, CASPA, NursingCAS, TexasJamp, TexasEarlyAssurance you will not be required to pay for your CASPer Test.
Can I reschedule my CASPer Test?
You can reschedule your CASPer Test, anytime before your test begins. There are no limits on the number of times CASPer Test can be rescheduled.
The CASPer Test can be rescheduled free of charge at least 31 days before the CASPer Test, upon the occurrence of a verified medical or technical problem, or if the test taker is approved for the fee assistance programs (FAP).
There will be a 20 dollar rescheduling fee, if changes occur within 30 days of your CASPer Test.
It is important to be mindful of rescheduling your exam and ensuring that the new test date does not result in missing any deadlines for distributing your results to the programs you are applying to.
Refunds
There are no refunds for the CASPer Test.
Where do I write The CASPer Test?
The CASPer Test can be taken from any location as long as you have a stable internet connection.
Different CASPer Test for Different Countries and Languages
You need to write multiple CASPer Tests if you are applying for the same program in different countries or to programs with different languages (i.e. French).
How long will casper scores be valid?
CASPer Scores will only be valid for one application cycle.
Unanticipated Interruptions
If you experience unanticipated interruptions such as a fire alarm during your CASPer test, contact the Acuity Insights using the chat in the bottom right corner.
How Reliable Are CASPer Scores
According to Acuity Insights, the CASPer Test has high reliability and leads to students scoring similarly on different tests composed of different scenarios with different raters.
Testing Accommodations?
If eligible, you can receive extra time, assistive personnel such as a scribe or reader and assistive software such as speech to text or text to speech.
In order to apply for testing accommodations, you must fill out the Accommodation request form part 1 and 2 using the following link.
You should send your request to the following email: support@acuityinsights.app
Note that part 2 of this form must be completed by a qualified professional
You should apply for testing accommodations at least 4 weeks prior to your CASPer Test date. You will receive a response by the Acuity Insights Team within 7 business days.
Snapshot
Snapshot is being discontinued for the 2023/2024 cycle.
How To Prepare for The CASPer Test Step by Step
Step 1: Understand What The CASPer Test is Evaluating
The CASPer test is specifically evaluating your character traits as mentioned earlier. These include: collaboration, communication, empathy, equity, ethics, motivation, problem solving, professionalism, resilience, and self- awareness. It is important to understand exactly what each of these characteristics mean and how they might show up in different CASPer scenarios.
Step 2: Understand the Type of Questions You Will be Asked
Many of the questions of the CASPer test involve problem solving and making choices in a difficult scenario. In some scenarios, it is somewhat clear what the best answer might be and in other scenarios, the best answer could be dependent on what factors you prioritize. It is important to fully explain your reasoning for picking an answer. There are also questions that ask about your experiences. Being familiar with different types of questions that you might face on the CASPer Test can go a long way.
Step 3: Understand the Test Format
Although there is not much new content you need to learn to do the CASPer test, You need to practice providing answers based on the format of the test. As mentioned earlier, the test is composed of a video response section and a typed response section.
For the video response section you have to become comfortable speaking in front of the camera and illustrating the appropriate emotion in your responses. For the typed response section you have to be comfortable with typing fast. Most test takers struggle to get their message across within the short time window.
Step 4: Figure out How much Preparation is Necessary for You?
The amount of CASPer Test Preparation you require depends on many factors such as your language proficiency, typing speed, how effectively you convey emotion in your responses and familiarity with CASPer/ MMI (Multiple Mini Interviews) question types. It is recommended that test takers dedicate a minimum of 2 weeks of preparation for The CASPer Test.
Step 5: Practice CASPer Scenarios
It is important to become comfortable with the types of questions on the CASPer Test and how you should approach answering such questions. Start by doing the practice test offered by Acuity Insights. You will have access to this test after signing up for an account independent of whether you have booked a CASPer Test. However, note that for this practice test your answers will not be saved. There are many practice resources online that you can use. You can also sign up and receive 30 free CASPer Scenarios.
The most important factor to consider when preparing for the CASPer test is to practice with as many unique scenarios as possible. It is crucial to be suddenly introduced to a scenario you have not seen before, and are required to make a decision quickly. This will increase your confidence for the CASPer Test.
Step 6: Get Good Feedback
A big problem with many test takers is that their responses sound robotic. They are not able to convey exactly how they are feeling. You have to learn to paint a picture for the reader. As you practice, go over your answers with your peers that might be writing the test and reflect on how your response sounds to other people. It is strongly recommended that you have your answers reviewed by those who have scored in the 4th quartile.
Most Important Tips to Consider
Choose the Option with the Least Amount of Harm as Much as Possible
In some CASPer scenarios the stakes and downsides of your decision are relatively low and the answer you choose will not have an impact on the score you receive as long as you have valid reasons to back up your decision. For example an investor deciding which dying company they are going to provide funding for. Although the livelihood of both parties are involved in this decision, saving both is inevitable.
However, in some scenarios there can be significant repercussions in choosing a particular answer. These events include physical and emotional harm to yourself and other parties involved, unethical behavior, breaking the laws of your jurisdiction or etiquette of your work or education setting. If you are in such a dilemma, choose the action that prioritizes the safety and well being of others and does not break the law. By not doing so, you will seem to lack empathy and sensitivity.
Act with Honesty and Integrity
Integrity and honesty are paramount in CASPer test responses, as they form the foundation of a candidate's ethical and moral compass. Exhibiting honesty and integrity in test responses allows evaluators to gauge a candidate's commitment to upholding ethical principles, which is vital for fostering trust and collaboration in any professional setting. It is essential to always be truthful and transparent with parties involved in your CASPer responses.
Take Into Account as Many Factors/Perspectives as Possible
The CASPer Test raters would like to see that you understand that most real life scenarios are not black and white. A decision you make has short term/long term positive and negative consequences to the parties directly or indirectly involved. Showing CASPer raters that you have taken into consideration many opposing perspectives and then made your decision, illustrates that you are professional and capable of problem solving real life scenarios.
Don’t Provide One Sided Answers
In many scenarios the facts provided to you are not certain and it is crucial to gain more confidence towards them and not automatically take one side of the argument. Even if you feel that one side is significantly more at fault, don't be judgmental and understand the bigger picture and what could have led them to take such action and how we can prevent such scenarios from happening.
In some scenarios, most facts seem to direct you to a one side answer. It is important to give some understanding to the other side of the argument in your response even if it is brief.
For example, in a scenario where a homeless man is taking food from a grocery store, you can assert that you understand that he must have been hungry and maybe he was not provided any social support before stating that what he did was wrong as he broke the law.
Don’t Make Assumptions and Gather as Much Information as Possible
When encountering complex situations, it is essential to approach them with an open mind and avoid jumping to conclusions based on limited or superficial information. In many CASPer scenarios, there is much more information that can be gathered that can assist you in making the best decision.
For example, if a question is asking whether it is appropriate to overstep professional boundaries in a particular scenario. You can gather information such as; whether there is someone in the company that is closer to that individual, whether she has had previous comments on how the coworker wants to talk about personal lives. Understanding that sometimes there can be further information you can obtain to make a better decision is crucial.
Sometimes gathering more information is not possible due to the urgency of the situation or limited information at hand by the parties involved. Therefore you should always assess the scenario and determine if such action is feasible.
Don’t Be Judgmental
"Judgmental" is an adjective used to describe a person who tends to form opinions or make judgments about others, often in a negative or critical manner, based on superficial or limited information. Judgmental individuals may be quick to make assumptions or draw conclusions about others without taking the time to understand the person's background, circumstances, or motivations. This behavior can lead to unfair treatment, biased decision-making, and strained relationships, as it often overlooks the complexity and individuality of people's lives and experiences. Being judgmental or jumping to conclusions about the individuals involved in the scenarios can negatively impact your responses and ultimately your CASPer score. Instead, strive to be open-minded, considerate, and understanding of various perspectives and contexts.
For example, in a work setting Sarah is complaining about something that another coworker, John, is doing. Instead of jumping to conclusions and informing John that they should avoid behaving this way, seek more information about whether John truly did what he was accused of and what were his motivations behind his action.
Be Professional
Be aware of professional rules of conduct when navigating through CASPer Scenarios. For example, if a member of your team does something wrong, don’t point it out and potentially embarrass them in front of other people. If you are going to talk with someone about personal or sensitive information ensure that you talk with them in a private and safe space.
It is important to use professional language and tone in your answers. Avoid using slang, vulgar language, or unprofessional expressions, as this can be seen as disrespectful and can negatively impact your results.
Answer The Question Being Asked
It is crucial that you answer the question that is being asked from you. Many applicants tend to go off tangents explaining their responses or not giving a final resolution to the problem. It is important to understand the question you are responding to and not following a generic formula you use for every question.
Review your experiences
Some Casper questions require you to reflect on a situation that is related to the scenario. It is important to review your resume and think about significant experiences throughout your life. Having these experiences at the back of your mind, allows you to draw upon these experiences quickly on the CASPer Test. These experiences include a time you failed to work with others, you broke a rule of your organization, or even led a group.
Show Compassion and Empathy
Some casper questions involve you interacting with individuals that are in a vulnerable emotional state. It is crucial for you to show that you can empathize with them and act compassionately. You can use emotional language, use empathy statements like “I’m sorry you are going through this”, and provide validation and support to the individuals going through hard times.
Don’t Leave Answers Empty and Use The Full Allotted Time
According to Acuity Insights those who use the full time allotted to answer questions tend to score higher on the CASPer Test. This occurs in many ways such as not knowing what to do or running out of things to say. Even in the most difficult scenarios where you are absolutely clueless on what to do, you can also talk with your friends and colleagues and gather their inputs.
Importance of Typing Speed
As mentioned earlier, typing speed is crucial for the casper test as it allows you to express as many of your ideas in the limited allotted time in the typed response section. Try to aim for at least 70 wpm when you respond to questions or a raw speed of 100 wpm when you practice with online typing speed tests. The test is becoming more competitive every year. So the higher your typing speed the better. start practicing typing as soon as you find out that you will be writing the casper test. If you are a slow typer you can significantly increase your typing speed by practicing 10 minutes a day for 6 months to a year.
Camera Presence for the Video Response Section
The Casper test video response section is an opportunity for you to demonstrate your communication skills and personality. However, many people feel nervous and intimidated when speaking in front of the camera. For the video response section it is important to practice good posture, make eye contact with the camera, Use gestures and smile if need be. Good posture projects confidence and helps you look professional. Looking directly into the camera shows that you’re confident and engaged in the conversation.
If you want to impress the evaluators of the casper test and increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome, here are some tips to help you improve your camera presence.
Don’t Over Rely on General Formulas
Having a general framework or formula for responding to CASPer scenarios can be useful when you are not unsure how you should structure your responses. However, there are many instances where a rigid framework can be detrimental to your answer. The way a question is asked might not allow you to always use a formula for your response. Following a formula might lead to answering one question of the scenario in another question. In addition, the question that is asked might require you to reorder your answer in order to follow a sound logical order. At times, over reliance on frameworks leads test takers on a tangent instead of answering the question. In addition, using the same general framework as all the other candidates can make your answers seem less authentic. Make sure you add your own touch when making a structure for your answers on the CASPer test.
Read on Potential Scenarios and Ethical Dilemmas in Your Line of Work
The CASPer test is provided for different types of programs from teaching to medicine. On the CASPer Test you might face scenarios that are related to the field you want to be working in. For example, if you are writing Health sciences CASPer for programs in the healthcare field, you might see scenarios where you are a nurse or doctor and have to make decisions. In this case having a general idea of medical ethics can help you navigate some of these scenarios with more confidence. Note that understanding the details of these concepts and using medical ethics terms is necessary.
Don’t Panic If you Miss a Question
The rate of the next scenario is unaware of how you answered the last question. Take a deep breath, clear your mind and do your best on the next section.
Taking Notes
On your casper test you are allowed to have a pen or pencil with pieces of paper with you. Taking notes allows you to gather many of your fleeting ideas and information about the situation as you listen to the scenario and reflect on it. Not writing your ideas down and forgetting to consider them in your responses can lead to a lower score compared to if you did include them.
Types of Questions
There are many different types of scenarios that appear on the CASPer Test. These scenarios can take place anywhere from personal lives to professional and group settings such as school and workplace.Thus, making it difficult to categorize them. Some of these scenarios can involve the following:
Conflict resolution
Resource allocation
Professional boundaries
Empathy towards an individual going through difficult times
Cultural sensitivity
Ethical dilemma
Autonomy
Personal questions
Accessibility and Inclusion
You should become familiar with these general types of questions. There are many more different types of questions that can appear on the CASPer Test and only being able to navigate through these types of scenarios is not a good idea.
Five CASPer Sample Question and Answers
CASPer Sample Question and Answer 1
Scenario
You are a social worker. A family approached you to help them convince their grandfather, Simone, to move to a retirement home. They tell you that he is often forgetful of simple things and his mental capacity is slowly deteriorating. Simone’s family tells you that the other day, he fell and experienced minor injuries. They seem tired of this situation and inform you that due to their occupation they don’t have the time to take care of Simone. However, Simone refuses to go to a retirement home and believes that he is capable of taking care of himself.
Question 1
Would you listen to the family?
Before I make a decision I would gather more information. I would first determine truly how much Simone is capable of taking care of himself. I would talk to specialists if possible, and use tests to determine his mental capacity and chance of falling. If there seems to be evidence that this is the best decision for Simone and the conditions of the family I will listen to them. I will have a talk with them and try to find the best choice that fits their situation. However, I would ensure that my decision is not only based on what the family wants but what's in the best interest of all the parties involved, specifically Simone. I understand that this change can be challenging for Simone as he will be giving up much of his autonomy when he moves to a retirement home. However, if such is the case I will have a private conversation with Simone and explain to him why this decision would be beneficial to him.
Question 2
Do you recommend Simone to move to a retirement home?
The most important aspect to consider is the well being of Simone. There are many options to consider depending on the financial situation of the family, the interests of Simone, and the amount of assistance that Simone might require. I would try to go over all the options possible, for example getting an assistance or a nurse that comes once in a while to help with critical tasks. Depending on all the criteria, If it seems that the best option possible is a retirement home I would recommend that option to them. However, if Simone has the capacity to make a well informed decision, he can pick another option that he feels is best after hearing what I have to say.
Question 3
How can we reduce elderly abuse in our society?
Elderly abuse can be devastating to the physical and mental health of the individual experiencing it. Like any other problem we can start off with spreading information and insight to our citizens regarding the issue specifically our seniors. We can also make it easier for seniors to report on such cases such as using landlines, and specific locations where they can visit. We can make seniors aware of these outlets through tv advertisements and radio. We can also Implement regular assessments and monitoring of care facilities and in-home care services to ensure compliance with standards and quality of care. In addition, we can strengthen and enforce laws and regulations protecting the elderly, ensuring that abusers are held accountable.
CASPer Sample Question and Answer 2
Scenario
A friend of yours, Diane, is applying to one of the most prestigious schools in the country. Diane tells you that she was unaware that the school required applicants to have volunteering experience until the last day of submitting the application. Without having volunteering experience she will definitely not be admitted to the university. She asks whether she can leave your phone number as a verifier of a volunteering experience. She tells you that there is an extremely low chance that the school will call you and you have nothing to worry about.
Question 1
What will you tell her?
Although I understand that acceptance to this school is extremely important for Diane and she is my good friend, I would unfortunately have to say no due to many reasons. I would tell her that I want her to succeed and I would do whatever I can to help her. However, helping her transmit the wrong information to the admissions committee is not correct and In this situation, it is important to maintain integrity and honesty. I would explain that dishonesty could have severe consequences, not only for her application but also for her future academic and professional endeavors. The school might have this requirement in order to ensure that their candidates have certain qualities. In addition, doing so would be unfair to all the other individuals applying to the program. I will help her find any last minute volunteering programs if possible or get her to actually help me with a problem if that counts as volunteering such as gardening, walking the dog etc. If these options are not possible, I would suggest that she consider other options, such as applying for a different school or taking a gap year to gain volunteer experience before reapplying.
Question 2
If the school calls you, Is it your responsibility to tell the school the truth?
Although I understand how important this is for Diane and her future, I would try to sit her down and go over with her why I cannot lie in this situation and tell her she should not give my number. However, I understand that she might be tempted to submit false information as the likelihood of the school calling me is low. If Diane does end up giving my phone number and the school does call me, it would be my responsibility to tell the truth. Lying on Diane's behalf could damage my credibility and could have negative consequences for both of us. As mentioned previously, inaccurate information can negatively impact the selection process of the school.
Question 3
How can one alleviate the impacts of peer pressure in their own life?
We humans are social animals and much of what we do is dependent on the group we are in. First of all it is important to ensure the choices we are making are logically sound and we are not just making them because others are also making them. We should ensure these choices specifically are not harmful to us and the greater community in which we are living in. It is important to get advice from people that are not in our social circle and know much more about a particular topic. One should learn to communicate feelings, and opinions assertively, without being aggressive. This allows you to stand up for yourself and resist pressure from others. You should also surround yourself with people who share your values and support your decisions, rather than those who pressure you into actions you're uncomfortable with.
CASPer Sample Question and Answer 3
Scenario
Two colleagues, Mark and Anthony, strongly disagree on a business strategy, each believing their approach is best. Mark believes that we should lower our prices, to show our customers that the company provides the most value with the least amount of money spent. On the other hand, Anthony believes that we should increase our prices to illustrate that we have a premium product and the extra cost of the product leads to more value for the customer. Both believe that both strategies are going to increase the sales of the company. Anthony has been very passive aggressive towards Mark in the few days leading up to the decision. Anthony states that the management always listens to Mark, and tends not to hear his ideas.
Question 1
Whose advice will you listen to?
As a decision-maker in this situation, I would not simply choose one person's advice over the other without a thorough analysis. Instead, I would gather data, research, and market insights to evaluate the merits of each strategy. I might also involve other team members in the discussion or seek expert opinions to ensure a well-rounded perspective. The final decision should be based on what is best for the company and its customers, taking into account the available evidence and informed opinions.
Question 2
If you decide to go with Mark’s advice, what will you tell Anthony?
I would talk with Antony in safe space and transparently inform him on the rationale behind the decision. I would also take this time to clear any confusions Anthony might have regarding the management having favorites and not taking his side. I would say thank you to him regarding all the hard work he does for the company and tell him that we notice all of it. I would also encourage him to continue sharing his ideas and insights in the future, as they are valuable to the company's decision-making process. I would tell him that if he ever needs anybody to talk to, myself and other colleagues are always here for him.
Question 3
How would you ensure the problems between Mark and Anthony do not continue to future projects?
It is crucial to ensure that the conflicts between Mark and Anthony are resolved so that their work and personal relationships are not affected in the future. After talking with Anthony privately, I would ask both individuals whether they like to sit in a room and talk to each other and settle any issues they might have. I would also be present to facilitate potential problems or points of disagreements that arise. I would promote a culture of open and transparent communication, where team members feel comfortable expressing their opinions and concerns without fear of judgment or retaliation. I would continuously monitor the working relationship between Mark and Anthony, addressing any issues that may arise and ensuring that the strategies implemented are effective in promoting a positive and productive work environment.
CASPer Sample Question and Answer 4
Scenario
You are a math teacher at a high school. One of your colleagues, after looking at your class midterm distribution, brings to your attention that students from minority and lower socioeconomic backgrounds tend to underperform on the math test. You decide to have extra classes for such lower performing students. However, you receive complaints from parents of students performing well in the class, that this is unfair as these students are getting special treatment.
Question 1
What will you do?
In response to the situation, I would reevaluate my approach to providing additional support for the underperforming students. Instead of targeting only students from minority and lower socioeconomic backgrounds, I would offer extra help to all students who may be struggling with the material, regardless of their background. This approach would make the additional support more inclusive and equitable. I believe it is necessary for all of my students to get the best education possible and it is my responsibility to bridge any gaps that my students may have. I will also try to get rid of any misunderstanding that may have arose regarding the intention behind these extra classes to the parents of the students.
Question 2
How will you respond to the families?
I will ask to have private conversations with all the parents who would like to speak with me. I would also provide information about these extra classes including why they are taking place via email. When responding to the families who have expressed concerns, I would explain that the goal of the extra classes is to provide support to any student who may be struggling academically, not just those from specific backgrounds. I would emphasize the importance of creating an inclusive learning environment where all students have the opportunity to succeed. Additionally, I would reassure them that the extra classes are optional and not intended to create an unfair advantage but to help students who may need additional support to reach their full potential.
Question 3
Should instructors factor in the life of their students outside the classroom in the grades they give students, such as the recent death of a loved one?
Instructors should strive to be empathetic and understanding of their students' personal circumstances when evaluating their performance, especially in cases where outside factors, such as the recent death of a loved one, may significantly impact a student's ability to focus and perform well. While it is important to maintain consistent academic standards, it is also crucial to recognize that students may need additional support, flexibility, or accommodations during difficult times. This could include offering extended deadlines for assignments, providing opportunities to retake tests or exams, or connecting students with support resources like counselors or tutoring services. However, it is essential to strike a balance between providing support and maintaining academic integrity and fairness for all students.
CASPer Sample Question and Answer 5
Scenario
You are a manager and have noticed a decline in motivation and performance of one of your employees, Don. After talking with him, he says that his son was diagnosed with cancer a few months ago. Despite taking some time off, focusing on work has been very difficult for him. Don’s colleagues tell you that he is slowing down the entire team and negatively impacting the company's growth.
Question 1
How would you approach the situation and help Don regain his motivation and improve his performance?
I understand that this is an extremely sensitive time for Don as having a child that is ill can be disheartening. I would ask him whether he would like to have a private conversation and talk about everything that is going on in both of our lives. I will take this time to hear him out and inform him that I can help him in any shape or form that I can. I believe in such a scenario, it is crucial for Don to be hopeful and look forward to the future. I would discuss possible accommodations or adjustments to his workload or schedule, such as flexible working hours, part-time work, or remote work opportunities that could help him balance his personal and professional responsibilities. Also, I would work with Don to establish realistic goals and expectations for his performance, considering his current situation. I would also connect Don with available resources within the company, such counseling services, to help him cope with his personal challenges.I would maintain open lines of communication with Don, offering regular check-ins to discuss his progress, challenges, and any necessary adjustments.
Question 2
If Don is not able to get back up on his feet in the next few months, would you ask him to resign if pressured by your superiors?
If Don is unable to get back on his feet in the next few months and I am pressured by my superiors to ask for his resignation, I would first explore all possible alternatives to help him improve his performance or find a more suitable role within the company. I can only imagine how difficult this situation is for Don and losing his job in such circumstances can be devastating. I also acknowledge that all the employees are here to progress the company closer to its mission and inefficiency can lead to not reaching our objectives. I would consider all the other options before asking Don to resign, such as hiring somebody else part time, moving him to part time work or get him to work from home. I would also have a conversation with him to see whether he has money saved up to support himself or would be able to move to a job that is less demanding. However, if all options have been exhausted and his performance continues to negatively impact the team and the company's growth, I would have a candid conversation with Don, discussing the situation and the expectations from the company. I would try to find an amicable solution, such as a mutually agreed-upon separation or extended leave of absence, that considers both Don's personal circumstances and the company's needs.
Question 3
What keeps you motivated during hard times?
There are various techniques I use to keep myself motivated during hard times. Reminding myself of the bigger picture and the purpose behind my work or goals helps me stay focused and motivated. This can include helping myself, my family and my community. Reading, listening, or watching motivational content, or learning from others who have faced and overcome adversity, provides me with encouragement and inspiration. Also, Leaning on friends, family, and colleagues for emotional support and encouragement can be invaluable during difficult times. In addition, Focusing on the positives and practicing gratitude can help maintain a positive mindset, even in challenging situations. Prioritizing physical and mental well-being, such as exercising, getting enough sleep, and engaging in hobbies, can also help boost resilience and motivation.