An investigation of perceived utility of feedback and attitudes toward testing

This study examined the relationship between credibility of source, type of feedback, participants' attitudes toward testing, and the perceived utility of feedback. Participants were individuals seeking employment with a southeastern utility company. Data were collected via a survey questionnaire which measured attitudes toward testing and perceived utility of feedback. Analysis of variance and analysis of covariance techniques were used to test the hypotheses. Results indicated a significant relationship between utility of feedback and attitudes toward testing and also between overall test performance and attitudes toward testing. Furthermore, analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that perceived utility of feedback acted as a significant covariate. No other significant relationships were found. Limitations along with several practical implications are discussed. Suggestions for future research included making the "stakes" higher for feedback, assessing potential instead of deficits, and manipulating source credibility by holding the source constant while varying the source's credentials.