An Investigation of Some Cognitive Factors Involved in Person-Perception during Selection Interviews

Abstract

The study examined some of the cognitive components in accuracy of social perception during the selection interview. 75 undergraduates completed several cognitive measures and were then required to interview a candidate for the job of accountant and make ratings of the candidate on several dimensions. Analysis showed pervasive sex differences in accuracy, and many effects specific either to same sex or to opposite sex dyads. Accuracy of female interviewers tended to be associated with greater cognitive complexity and integration of the interviewers. Accuracy of male interviewers was more dependent on the sex of the candidate; when interviewing a male candidate, accuracy was negatively associated with cognitive integration and when interviewing a female candidate, accuracy was negatively associated with the logical memory and visual recall subscales of the Wechsler Memory Scale.