This study tested the effect of vividness of language in letters of recommendation on the informational value of information in letters and job applicants' recommendations. 120 personnel administrators read either a favorable-vivid, unfavorable-vivid, favorable-pallid, or unfavorable-pallid letter of reference concerning a fictitious job applicant for a management position. Analysis showed that vividness of language influenced perceived favorableness of information but failed to affect recommendations for a candidate.
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