Opinion: Achieving 100% on X-O Test or A-B Test is paramount to our reputation

@#$%& · 2017-08-29T23:01:38+00:00

UPDATE: August 31, 2017, 11:00 AM EST Before reading this post, authored two days ago, understand there are a small handful of people who are attempting to hijack this thread by posting a stream of off-topic remarks. Their motives are their own. Their forum names are well known for similar tactics in countless other threads. Nevertheless, I have no issue with them personally. They do make a positive contribution at times to the forum, and for that I am grateful. For those who wish to bypass the rhetoric, simply click on my forum name, choose profile, and then select "View all posts by @#$%&". Your search results will take you directly to my comments where you can click on "quote" to follow up. As a reminder, this post was created as an opinion, and as such is designed to contribute with honest respect. BEGINNING OF ORGINAL THREAD TOPIC: Since 2002 (four years before mysteryshopforum.com was created) we have known there are several national MSC's who administer an A-B Test (also known as an X-O Test) to decide if their MS Applicants have the required skills to make an accurate undercover observation and to file a written report reflecting the accurate observation. A passing grade of 80% was required from a 16 question (scenario) test. Today, some (not all) companies have reduced their passing grade to 75%. In my opinion, that amounts to accepting 25% erroneous observations and reports, which may be appalling to the end client who is paying for a 100% quality observation and report. What may be worse is the shopper's reputation could be injured (or payment refused) because they are no longer required to perform at a 100% level of observation and reporting. They may be on a path to becoming 25% wrong in everything they do in this profession. Instead of striving to merely "pass" the X-O or A-B test, consider a determination of achieving 100%. Why? One mistake could cost your employer (or client or vendor) your entire reputation on the quality of your observation as well as your written report. You only get a one chance to make a first impression (and every case is a first impression to the end client). Take it to the extreme as if your observation and report were to go to trial: Using only the following scenarios extracted from a sample test: 1) The A precedes the B 2) The A is preceded by the B The Court testimony may present itself as: "Mr. Smith, in your undercover report you stated that Alice preceded Bob in entering the bank. Please tell the jury what you mean by your statement. Answer by Mr. Smith: "Alice came before Bob" (Source question: The A precedes the B (Smith's answer was: AB "Mr. Smith, in your undercover report you also stated to the police officer that Alice was preceded by Bob when entering the bank. Please tell the jury what you mean by your statement. Answer by Mr. Smith: "Bob came after Alice putting it as Alice then Bob (Source question: The A is preceded by the B (Smith's answer was: AB SUMMARY: If you were Mr. Smith, after reviewing the above example carefully please determine if you would stand by your answers given in both court testimonies and the full description of why, or if you would change either one of your statements and include a full description of why. (Please do not post your answers here. This is only an exercise in the importance of achieving 100% observation and reporting) Testifying in court with 75% accuracy should never be a goal. And neither should submitting a 75% accuracy undercover observation report (as a testimony to the MSC). Determine to achieve 100% in accuracy on both observation and reporting. Nail the A-B-Test (X-O Test) for your own well being. We all become what we chose or chose not to do. David Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 08/31/2017 03:22PM by @#$%&.

Opinion: Achieving 100% on X-O Test or A-B Test is paramount to our reputation

September 05, 2017 04:23PM

@Glen Fuller wrote:

man for some good resources in this forum it has not been of the best experience for a bunch of self proclaimed professionals you should be willing to help new combers but you just tear them down by no means would i call that professionals manners.

[/quote]

I am not a frequent poster on this forum but am more of a lurker. I have found this forum to be an invaluable resource for my growth in the mystery shopping field. The contributing members have always been gracious, friendly, and helpful the few times that I have posted questions. The individuals that respond to questions do not have to spend their valuable time answering questions. I appreciate the fact that they choose to do so and is a testament to their professionalism.

The forums have been riddled lately with straight up nonsense. There are plenty of other places on the internet for trolling, troublemakers, and questionable intentions. I would like to see certain individuals go back to their "other" forum and conduct their shenanigans elsewhere.

Edited 2 time(s). Last edit at 09/05/2017 04:27PM by starrynight.

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September 05, 2017 05:57PM

I stopped reading after page one. This is not what this forum is about. Most shoppers are here to help.

September 05, 2017 07:02PM

@shopper8 wrote:

I stopped reading after page one. This is not what this forum is about. Most shoppers are here to help.

For you, what was not helpful?

(For me, the mere mention of the test was of interest. I work with few MSCs and did not know that any MSC used that test. I wanted more about tests & measurements. These relate to the heart of our work! The unhelpfulness was the vehemence of the opposition. At first, this was startling. Then, it was crazed. After that, I realized that the forum had gone mad and deserted its foundational purpose.)

My garden in England is full of eating-out places, for heat waves, warm September evenings, or lunch on a chilly Christmas morning. (Mary Quant)

September 05, 2017 08:25PM

lol

September 05, 2017 08:26PM

roflmao

September 05, 2017 08:45PM

Personal attack deleted. –– Admin.

Equal rights for others does not mean fewer rights for you. It's not pie.
"I prefer someone who burns the flag and then wraps themselves up in the Constitution over someone who burns the Constitution and then wraps themselves up in the flag." -Molly Ivins
Never try to teach a pig to sing. It's a waste of your time and it really annoys the pig.

September 05, 2017 08:48PM

That someone said something, but I can not say who or what, but that proves my point is pointless and a waste of mbs and gigs

September 05, 2017 09:28PM

This has run it's course. I'm closing this thread.

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Opinion: Achieving 100% on X-O Test or A-B Test is paramount to our reputation

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