Group Differences in Biographical Inventories: A Meta-Analysis on the Adverse Impact Potential of Biodata

• 成果类型: Article
• 署名作者: Tenbrink, Andrew P.; Speer, Andrew B.; Wegmeyer, Lauren J.; Sendra, Caitlynn C.; Rowley, Shannon
• 署名单位: Wayne State University; Indiana University System; Indiana University Bloomington; IU Kelley School of Business
• 刊物名称: JOURNAL OF APPLIED PSYCHOLOGY
• ISSN/ISSBN: 0021-9010
• DOI: 10.1037/apl0001260
• 发表日期: 2025
• 页码: 930-947
• 关键词: biodata; Meta-analysis; personnel selection; group differences; ADVERSE IMPACT

摘要

The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to determine if biodata scale scores differ based on demographic group membership (i.e., gender, race, age) and to evaluate the contextual factors that amplify or mitigate these effects (e.g., construct domain, scoring method). Despite the popularity of biodata scales for personnel selection purposes, previous research findings do not provide clear evidence as to whether adverse impact is a serious concern. To address this gap, a meta-analysis of 43 studies (56 independent samples) was conducted, providing estimates of group differences across demographic groups (female-male, Black-White, Hispanic-White, Asian-White, and age) and relevant construct domains. The majority of biodata scale scores were found to exhibit small group differences across construct domains and demographic groups (approximate to 75% had Cohen's d less than |.20|). Group differences were also relatively small when compared with other popular selection methods. When considered with previous research, these findings provide further support for the use of biodata scales in personnel selection scenarios.