The Effect of Media on Applicant Impression Management in Computer-Based Assessment

This study investigated the effect of computer-based vs. face-to-face assessment on impression management in different kinds of tasks. Seventy-two 3-person groups of university students worked in either computer-based or face-to-face assessment on both cooperation and competition task. Results showed significant difference between computer-based and face-to-face groups in impression management. Furthermore, this study also found that there is no significant difference between medium when applicant performed in the cooperation task. However, differences in impression management for the competition task, with computer-based groups reporting lower levels of impression management. Results are discussed in terms of the implications of using computer-based assessment for personnel selection.