On the accuracy of detecting deception in selection interviews: The effects of applicant rehearsal, applicant job interest, and self-monitoring

The present study examines the effect of rehearsal, job interest, and self-monitoring on judges' accuracy to detect deception in selection interviews. The study also investigated the effect of those independent variables on judges' accuracy in assessing applicants' personality and self-reported qualifications. Subjects participating as applicants in mock job interviews were randomly assigned to rehearsal and interest conditions. These "applicants" were interviewed for jobs they liked or disliked and either rehearsed or filled out a distracter questionnaire. Subjects at a different university watched videotapes of applicants and rated their honesty, personality, and qualifications. As predicted, judges assigned more positive ratings to applicants who rehearsed than to applicants who did not rehearse. Contrary to predictions, applicant rehearsal tended to have a beneficial effect on judges' detection of applicant deception, personality, and qualifications. Applicant self-monitoring and judges' gender also affected judges' accuracy. Theoretical and practical implications of results are discussed