Previous research suggests that one basis for age discrimination involves stereotypes about older people. Situational variables, however, may influence the extent to which these stereotypes affect decisions in employment. One situational variable, the age composition of the applicant pool, was varied to determine the degree to which age bias in…

Examined the influence of rater and ratee age on performance evaluations. Older workers received lower ratings on self-development and interpersonal skills. Younger raters gave higher ratings than older raters on interpersonal skills. The influence of age on performance ratings is consistent with previous research. (Author/JAC)

Attitudes and decisions regarding older workers should become an increasingly important issue for industrial/organizational psychologists in the 1980's. A variety of problems encountered by older workers has prompted concern about age discrimination in industry. Situational factors also affect the extent to which stereotypes about groups influence…

Determined degree to which age bias in simulated personnel decisions can be reduced by varying one situational factor, age composition of applicant pool. To some extent, as number of older applicants in applicant pool increased, older applicants received more favorable ratings, and there was shift in perception of age-type of job. (Author/KS)