Number and gender in selection interviews: Effects on outcomes, and candidates' views

Abstract

This article reports the results of a monitoring study designed to investigate whether there might be gender bias, or bias linked to the agency base of the interviewer, in the selection process for entrants to the DipSW programme at Edinburgh University. At Edinburgh candidates have one interview with a single interviewer who may be either a lecturer or practice teacher. The selection decisions were compared with the candidates' and the interviewers' gender. Candidates' views on the process they experienced were also sought by means of an anonymous questionnaire. The results showed no relationship between the gender of the candidate and the interviewer, and that candidates themselves were indifferent about it. The chances of selection were independent of gender and of whether the interviewer was a lecturer or practice teacher. Some possible implications of these findings are discussed.