Influence of Response Mode on Order Effects in the Interview

Abstract

Two experiments involving students (N = 142 and N = 174, respectively) were conducted to investigate the effects of response mode and order on the evaluation of a hypothetical interviewee. Response mode (step-by-step or end-of-sequence) and order of positive and negative interview responses were manipulated in both studies. Competing hypotheses based on the belief adjustment model and predecisional distortion were tested. In both studies, the evaluation of the hypothetical candidate was more consistent with predictions of the belief adjustment model than with predecisional distortion. The results suggest that structured interviews are not immune to order effects. Furthermore, the belief adjustment model may be used to predict whether primacy or recency effects in interviews are likely to occur.