Examining Applicant Reactions to Different Media Types in Character-based Simulations for Employee Selection

While the influence of technology and medium of assessment administration on applicant reactions has been a topic for recent discussion, scant research has considered reactions to various forms of media types in employee character-based simulations. In a series of two studies, we focused on the influence of various media types on a variety of applicant reaction criteria. In Study 1, we explored (1) differences in procedural justice perceptions and company impressions between a text and 3D animated simulation, (2) spillover mechanisms by which applicant reactions influences company perceptions, and (3) the influence of media richness on perceptions of other assessments types within a battery. In a second study, we focused on applicant reactions to and rankings of three media types (i.e., 2D animation, 3D animation, and live-action video) in a character-based simulation. Our results indicated support for a mediated effect of procedural justice rules on company perceptions. Across studies, favorable reaction ratings and rankings for 3D animation and live-action video were found.