Age bias in laboratory and field settings: A meta-analytic investigation

Abstract

A meta-analytic review of age-discrimination research from laboratory and field settings revealed a significant, yet modest overall effect size with younger applicants and workers evaluated more positively than older applicants and workers. The present predictions and findings were compared with those from previous meta-analytic investigations by Kite and Johnson (1988) and by Finkelstein, Burke, and Raju (1995). A number of significant moderational relationships were revealed, including negative linear relationships between the relative generalizability of the research (in terms of participants, setting, and stimulus materials) and effect size. In addition, the type of design used (between-subjects vs. within-subject) and the specific type of dependent measures used to evaluate applicants and workers were found to significantly moderate effect size.