Another Look at “Do Behavioral Observation Scales Measure Observation?”

Abstract

Murphy, Martin, and Garcia in 1982 published a study suggesting that Behavioral Observation Scales do not measure observation. The purpose of the present study was to extend that work by comparing two commonly used rating instruments. 59 undergraduate students rated two instructors immediately after a class session and 1-wk. later. Ratings were made on Behavioral Observation Scales, Behavioral Expectation Scales, and trait scales. A 1-wk. delay in making performance ratings had no significant effect on the correlation of scores on Behavioral Observation Scales or Behavioral Expectation Scales with trait ratings of performance.