Final answer:
The Wonderlic, Inc. investigation is primarily focused on evaluating the validity of the WPT in job applicant assessments, especially regarding the fairness and accuracy of its cognitive ability measurement and its cutoff scores. Hence, option (A) is correct.
Step-by-step explanation:
The primary focus of the Wonderlic, Inc. investigation regarding the WPT's validity is evaluating job applicants. The Wonderlic Personnel Test (WPT) is designed to measure cognitive ability which is an integral part of the selection process for many positions, including law enforcement roles. The use of the WPT, and tests like it, involves setting cutoff scores to determine candidates' progression through the hiring process. These scores are crucial as they can ultimately influence whether an applicant is considered further for a position.
It is important to note that while the WPT is a tool for assessing cognitive abilities, issues such as potential biases in assessments highlight the need for continual evaluation of the test's validity. This assessment includes how the test performs across diverse groups and ensures that it does not discriminate based on racial or ethnic backgrounds. Organizations are increasingly recognizing the importance of diversifying their approaches to candidate testing to ensure fairness and accuracy in their selection processes.