assessment center

n. An organization in which persons are observed and tested with the intention of predicting their future behavior for either organizational or research purposes. Assessment procedures can include paper and pencil tests, in-baskets, game and role playing, and individual and group exercises often simulating job tasks and environment. The idea of an assessment center was developed by Henry Murray first as a research tool and later for selection of agents for the Office of Strategic Services (OSS) during World War II.