Applying Natural Language Processing to Assessment

Abstract

Abstract Natural language processing (NLP), the enablement of machines to automatically process and learn human natural language data, is at the core of many real-world applications. Recent years have seen initial attempts to apply NLP in assessment. The goal of this chapter is to discuss how NLP can be applied to improve assessment in the selection context. The chapter opens with an introduction of NLP—what it is and how NLP techniques have evolved over time. It then dives into how various NLP methods can be applied in the assessment cycle, from assessment construction to analyzing assessment responses to predicting job-related outcomes. The chapter ends with a discussion of the key challenges and opportunities facing assessment researchers and practitioners when considering using NLP for assessment.