Initial comparisons of patterned behavior description interviews versus unstructured interviews

Abstract

15 teaching assistants (TAs) were interviewed twice by interviewers trained in patterned behavior-based interviewing, and twice by interviewers trained in standard techniques. Interviewers predicted the ratings students would give TAs, and actual student ratings were gathered after all interviews had been completed. The reliability of the standard interviewers was higher (.71 vs .46) but the validity of the behavior interviews was .54 vs .07 for standard interviews. 45 of the 60 interviews were taped and the content of the interview questions and answers were categorized. Standard interviews contained significantly more credentials information and self-perception content, whereas the patterned, behavioral interviews contained significantly more behavior description content. (14 ref) (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)