Why Are Manhole Covers Round? A Laboratory Study of Reactions to Puzzle Interviews

Authors

Chris W. Wright, San Francisco State University
Chris J. Sablynski, University of the PacificFollow
Todd M. Manson, Indiana University Southeast
Steven Oshiro, Pacific Gas and Electric Company

Document Type

Article

Publication Title

Journal of Applied Social Psychology

ISSN

0021-9029

Volume

42

Issue

11

DOI

10.1111/j.1559-1816.2012.00963.x

First Page

2834

Last Page

2857

Publication Date

11-1-2012

Abstract

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. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

Recommended Citation

Wright, C. W., Sablynski, C. J., Manson, T. M., & Oshiro, S. (2012). Why Are Manhole Covers Round? A Laboratory Study of Reactions to Puzzle Interviews. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 42(11), 2834–2857. DOI: 10.1111/j.1559-1816.2012.00963.x
https://scholarlycommons.pacific.edu/esob-facarticles/218