A Comparison of two Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales

Abstract

Although previous comparisons have generally failed to yield findings of differences between alternative rating scale formats, there is evidence that a structured behavioral scale may be psychometrically superior to an unstructured one. The present investigation compared a skeleton behavioral expectation scale (BES) composed exclusively of behavioral examples with a complete BES. Ratings were obtained from 49 Army ROTC instructors on 309 cadets. The complete BES was significantly superior (ps< .05) to the skeleton version in terms of discriminability and halo. It is postulated that raters may have difficulty matching observed behavior to behavioral examples and that BES structural elements may be essential in overcoming this difficulty.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Jun 01, 1984
Accession Number
ADA153230

Entities

People

  • John R. Mietus
  • Michael G. Rumsey

Organizations

  • U.S. Army Research Institute for the Behavioral and Social Sciences

Tags

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Accuracy
  • Air
  • Applied Psychology
  • Failure Mode And Effect Analysis
  • Instructors
  • Judgment
  • Materials
  • Military Personnel
  • Military Research
  • Plastic Explosives
  • Precision
  • Psychology
  • Schools
  • Social Sciences
  • Social Security
  • Test And Evaluation
  • Training

Fields of Study

  • Psychology

Readers

  • Psychometric Testing or Psychological Assessment.
  • Systems Analysis and Design