Game-based assessments vs interviews: interview anxiety and performance among individuals with and without asd

Abstract

In the workplace, a substantial portion of life is dedicated to work, offering sustenance, social connections, and individual identity. However, individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) face significant underemployment globally despite possessing various skills. Traditional interview-based selection methods often create systematic bias against ASD individuals due to social skill deficits and heightened anxiety. This study contrasts three assessment approaches: asynchronous video interviews (AVI), video conference interviews (VCI), and game-based assessments (GBA). The primary aim is to mitigate bias using GBA. Anxiety levels were measured with an adapted version of the Measure of Anxiety in Selection Interviews (MASI). A mixed ANOVA assessed performance and anxiety differences between ASD and non-ASD groups across the three assessment types. Results showed no significant differences in anxiety levels across assessment types for both groups. Performance results indicated individuals with ASD performed significantly lower in VCIs compared to non-ASD individuals but better in AVIs and GBAs.