THE WORD “ RECIPIENTS” IN LINE 12 IS CLOSEST IN MEANING TO A. ABUS...

60. The word “ recipients” in line 12 is closest in meaning to

A. abusers

B. receivers

C. salespersons

D. test subjects

Text 2

(Line)

Experiment have shown that in selecting personnel for a job, interviewing is at best a

hindrance, and may even cause harm. These studies have disclosed that the judgments of

interviewers differ markedly and bear little or no relationship to the adequacy of the job applicants.

Of the many reasons why this should be the case, three in particular stand out.

(5)

The first reason is related to an error of judgement known as the

halo effect. If a person has

one noticeable good trait, their other characteristics will be judged as better than

they

really are.

Thus, an individual who dresses smartly and shows self- confidence is likely to be judged capable

of doing a job well regardless of his or her real ability.

Interviewers are also prejudiced by an effect called the primacy effect. This error

(10)

occurs when interpretation of later information is distorted by earlier connected information. Hence,

in an interview situation, the interviewer spends most of the interview trying to

confirm

the

impression given by the candidate in the first few moments. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated

that such an impression is unrelated to the aptitude of the applicant.

(15)

The phenomenon known as the contrast effect also

skews the judgment of interviewers.

Asuitable candidate may be underestimated because he or she contrasts with a previous one who

appears exceptionally intelligent. Likewise, an average candidate who is preceded by one who

gives a weak showing may be judged as more suitable than he or she really is.

Since interviews as a form of personnel selection have been shown to be inadequate, other

selection procedures have been devised which more accurately predict candidate

(22)

suitability. Of the various tests devised, the predictor which appears to do this

most succussfully is

cognitive ability as measured by a variety of verbal and spatial tests.