Final answer:
The four-fifths rule is used to detect potential discrimination in employment practices by comparing the selection rates of different groups, with significantly lower rates suggesting possible disparate impact discrimination. Option A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The four-fifths rule, also known as the 80% rule, is a rule of thumb used in the field of human resources and organizational compliance to evaluate evidence of potential discrimination in hiring and promotion practices.
According to this rule, if the selection rate for any race, sex, or ethnic group is less than four-fifths (or 80%) of the rate for the group with the highest rate, it may suggest there is disparate impact in the employment procedure, a form of unintentional discrimination, and it could be subject to legal scrutiny.
This rule is used as a preliminary screening tool to identify decisions or practices that could be discriminatory, although it is not conclusive proof of discrimination.
It is derived from the Uniform Guidelines on Employee Selection Procedures which are meant to help employers comply with federal regulations against employment discrimination. Option A