Final answer:
The selection instrument for acquiring subjective data about applicants' motivations and experiences is an interview. Interviews collect qualitative data and allow for observation of nonverbal cues, contributing to an in-depth assessment of the candidate. This method is particularly useful for understanding personal attributes beyond what closed-ended questions can reveal.
Step-by-step explanation:
The selection instrument used to obtain information on the applicant’s motivation and details of previous experiences to get a more subjective feel for the candidates is an interview. Interviews provide a dynamic platform to assess the candidate’s personal attributes, communication skills, and motivation. Unlike questionnaires that might use closed-ended questions resulting in quantitative data, interviews can collect qualitative data, which is subjective and based on natural settings. These data points often include personal experiences, beliefs, and attitudes, which are revealed through open-ended questions. Moreover, interviews allow the researcher or interviewer to observe nonverbal cues such as body language, which can be essential in evaluating the applicant’s suitability for the role.
An interview can commence after the interviewer introduces themselves, the purpose of the study or evaluation, and what the process will entail. This approach helps in setting a comfortable tone for the interviewee to share honest and insightful information. Interviews can be a treasure trove of rich, detailed personal insights, making them an effective tool for selection processes.