THE WORD “ RECIPIENTS” IN LINE 12 IS CLOSEST IN MEANING TOA. ABUSE...

31. 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.