To Abolish Stereotypes, You Need to Be Aware of Them First!

Abstract: This study aimed to assess gender stereotypes in Situational Judgment Tests (SJTs), which are prominent simulative selection instruments. To address this goal, in Study 1 we developed a coding scheme to detect stereotype-consistent use of gender in selection methods. Results indicated that across ten different SJTs with altogether 263 items, 20.9% of the items showed stereotype-consistent use of gender. In Study 2, we examined whether the use or non-use of stereotype-consistent gender representation in SJT items affected applicant reactions. Contrary to the predictions of stereotype threat theory, results indicated that stereotype-consistent gender representation exists in various SJT items, but it seems to have only a limited impact on applicant reactions and performance of subgroups (i.e., women).