This laboratory study tested the utility of using situational strength and trait-relevant cues in an assessment context. Situational strength refers to cues provided by the environment about the desirability of potential behaviors, and trait-relevant cues are those that activate or prompt certain trait-relevant behaviors (for example, a gun activating more aggressive behavior). A sample of 215 students was assessed for five dimensions of adaptive performance using in-basket exercises which contained a situational strength manipulation. There were three levels of this manipulation: weak, moderate, and strong situational strength. This study examined whether those high in adaptability exhibited higher levels of adaptive performance, which was assessed using situational judgment items. This study also tested whether those high in adaptability exhibited more adaptive performance in moderate strength situations than those low in adaptability. There was partial support for both sets of hypotheses: those higher in adaptability did exhibit more adaptive performance and did show more adaptive performance at the moderate (as opposed to weak or strong) level of strength. However, the results did not extend to all dimensions of adaptive performance, and were not all statistically significant. Implications for use and measurement of situational strength in selection, use of contextualization in assessment, and conceptualization and measurement of adaptive performance are discussed as well as limitations of the study.
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