Some Responses to Rating Stimuli by Practiced Raters

Abstract

The study was concerned with the manner in which personal data variables may affect responses to selected rating scale stimuli and how rating task opinions might yield other particular results. The rating format using 24 traits on a 5-point scale was designed to be familiar to the 42 adjutant officers (Ss) rating 3 defined stereotype ratees. Four rating sessions were conducted with complete ratings collected from all Ss for each ratee. Ten personal data variables identified each S and a questionnaire was developed to sample the opinion effect. Ss were shown to rate the defined ratees significantly higher as a result of adjutant service exceeding 5 yr. and their opinion of confidence in making the requested ratings. The practiced Ss showed some significant variance as have other raters, in spite of controlled ratee behavior. It is suggested that rating variables as reviewed may be examined by multiple correlation techniques to evaluate them as suppressor variables, thereby improving rating validity and prediction of performance.