Sound familiar?
Does 20% error rate sound worse to you than 80% success rate?
What is the reason for that?
This is due to the framing effect
We speak of the framing effect when our Decisions are influenced by the way information is presented.
Although both options in the example above say exactly the same thing, we rate them differently. In the first case, the mistakes are highlighted, in the second, the successes. Therefore, 80% success rate sounds better.
The framing effect can therefore mean that we overestimate how something is said and understate what is said. As a result, we may choose worse options that are well worded over better options or information that is poorly worded.
This may result in the application process being Great attention is paid to how a person presents themselves. This is certainly important for a role in sales, but less so for a role in software development.
Exciting: People with higher levels of involvement and more information about a topic are less susceptible to the framing effect.
Sources
- Nelson, Thomas E., Zoe M. Oxley, and Rosalee A. Clawson. “Toward a psychology of framing effects.” Political Behavior 19 (1997): 221-246.
How structured pre-selection helps avoid this distortion is shown by Aivy's assessment procedures.
This effect is one of 17 patterns that shape hiring decisions. The overview is in Unconscious Bias in Recruiting.
Make a better pre-selection — even before the first interview
In just a few minutes, Aivy shows you which candidates really fit the role. Beyond resumes based on strengths.
