Another look at contrast effects in the employment interview

Abstract

Extended the work of M. Hakel, J. Ohnesorge, and M. Dunnette (see PA, Vol. 44:574l) and R. Leonard and M. Hakel's 1971 study of the effects of induced expectation on resume ratings. In Study 1, 90 undergraduates and 90 professional interviewers rated 12 resumes (random sets of 3 good, 3 average, and 3 poor), the last of which was the target resume. The 2 preceding ones (10 and 11) were used to induce the expectation; both were good, average, or poor. A 9-point criterion rating scale was used by 60 professionals to rate 3 resumes in Study 2. Results of both studies show no contrast or assimilation effects in judgments. Professionals indicated a tendency not to base hiring decisions on resumes alone. Results of previous studies and methodological problems are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)