Premium
Why Are Manhole Covers Round? A Laboratory Study of Reactions to Puzzle Interviews
Author(s) -
Wright Chris W.,
Sablynski Chris J.,
Manson Todd M.,
Oshiro Steven
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
journal of applied social psychology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.822
H-Index - 111
eISSN - 1559-1816
pISSN - 0021-9029
DOI - 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2012.00963.x
Subject(s) - psychology , job interview , variety (cybernetics) , social psychology , interview , semi structured interview , applied psychology , qualitative research , social science , sociology , law , statistics , mathematics , political science
Popularized by Microsoft in the 1990s, the puzzle interview is being used with greater frequency by employers in a variety of industries. The present study was designed to explore applicant reactions to puzzle interviews. 360 participants watched either a puzzle interview or a behavioral interview. The job for which the interviewee was applying was also manipulated. Results showed that participant ratings of several reactions variables were significantly lower for puzzle interviews. The findings were consistent across four different jobs. Implications for the use of puzzle interviews in industry and for future research are discussed.