The Relationship between Cognitive Categories of Raters and Rating Accuracy.
Abstract
This research investigated cognitive processes affecting the accuracy of performance evaluation. One hundred and twenty-five hospital nurses completed questionnaires measuring their cognitive categorization processes and then rated a videotaped nurse's performance. Results focusing on the match between raters' cognitive categories and rating scales indicated that: a) rating accuracy was related to the match between raters' cognitive category dimensions and rating scale dimensions, but b) not related to the match between rating scales and raters general tendency to describe ratees in terms of behaviors or personal characteristics (traits). Little support was found for the effect of misclassifying behaviors and dimensions irrelevant to job performance on accuracy. Raters' ability to differentiate clearly between rating dimensions was related to accuracy and to halo in ratings. Finally, work experience and job position were related to raters' cognitive systems while prior rating experience was important for accuracy. Limitations of the study and implications of future research investigating the cognitive processes of raters in relation to rating accuracy are discussed. Keywords: Performance ratings; personal constructs; cognitive categories; halo; cognitive differentiation.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA161754
Entities
People
- Cheri Ostroff
- Daniel R. Ilgen
Organizations
- Michigan State University