Exploring Validity in Descriptive and Recorded Interviews of Japanese University Students
Abstract
In this study, we analyzed the validity of descriptive interviews (admissions essays) and recorded interviews (admissions interviews), as well as the factors that influence interview assessments in Japanese university students. This investigation targeted participants enrolled in basic statistics courses at private universities in Japan and was conducted using descriptive (n = 89) and recorded (n = 16) mock interviews with respect to the same task. Our analysis found that the results for the descriptive mock interviews demonstrated high validity, affirming the value of incorporating admissions essays into traditional university admissions processes. By contrast, we did not obtain similarly valid results from recorded interviews, suggesting a potential influence of facial expressions on interview assessments. Our results can be used to improve the interview methods in admissions and prospective student selection.
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