The influence of explanations for selection test use, outcome favorability, and self-efficacy on test-taker perceptions

Previous research has shown that an explanation for an. event can affect re actions to that event. This study examined this effect within a selection c ontext by varying the type of explanation (causal, ideological, referential ) and outcome favorability. A sample of 202 undergraduates completed a sele ction test and reported their perceptions of that test both before and afte r the outcome was known. Both the type of explanation and outcome favorabil ity interacted with participants' self-efficacy in determining perceptions of validity and fairness. Implications and directions for future research a re discussed. (C) 2000 Academic Press.