Moving Beyond Traditional Warnings: Effects of Alternate Instructions on Faking and Applicant Reactions
Year: 2005
Type: article
Abstract: Previous research (Dwight & Donovan, 2003) suggests that warnings or instructions are useful in reducing applicant faking.This study hypothesized that instructions which promote accuracy would be more effective than those which discourage faking.Likewise, it was hypothesized that instructions which emphasize social verification would be more effective than methods that emphasize embedded social desirability items.This study compared the effectiveness of varying the focus of consequences and the method of identification of instructions on mean applicant scores, honesty of scores and applicant reactions.This study also sought to understand the processes by which warnings may influence applicant faking.The results of this study suggest that, contrary to hypotheses, instructions that emphasized the use of embedded items were more effective than those that emphasized the use of social verification in lowering mean applicant scores.Interestingly, the use of embedded items was also associated with lower levels of expectancy of producing accurate ratings.It was also found that warnings led to more honest applicant ratings.When analyses were conducted only on response elevators, it was found that the focus of consequences and method of identification interacted to influence applicant ratings and the credibility of the method of identification.Specifically, embedded items were more effective and credible when paired with promote accuracy instructions.It is suggested that warnings may impact response elevators and non-elevators differentially.number of important people.First, special recognition must go to my courageous advisor -Andee Snell.Thanks for your dedication, infectious energy, and friendship.I have learnt so much from you -even the finer skills of lawn-mowing!Next, I would like to thank Dennis Doverspike, Aaron Schmidt, Steve Ash and Marty Murphy for serving on my committee.Your input and encouragement have helped make this study a stronger one.We have been truly fortunate at Akron to have a dedicated and talented faculty.Special thanks should also go to Paul Levy, for all your support through the years.I would also like to thank several friends, who were instrumental in the success of this study.Ali, thanks for helping me coordinate things back at Akron.You are truly fabulous!Daisy, Aarti, Beth, Venette, Selenta, and Fluckinger, thanks for your help in piloting my study
Author: Mano Ramakrishnan
Institution: University of Akron
Language: English
Field: Decision Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2280008187