Evaluating frame-of-reference rater training effectiveness using performance schema accuracy

J Appl Psychol. 2009 Sep;94(5):1336-44. doi: 10.1037/a0016476.

Abstract

Frame-of-reference training has been shown to be an effective intervention for improving the accuracy of performance ratings (e.g., Woehr & Huffcutt, 1994). Despite evidence in support of the effectiveness of frame-of-reference training, few studies have empirically addressed the ultimate goal of such training, which is to teach raters to share a common conceptualization of performance (Athey & McIntyre, 1987; Woehr, 1994). The present study tested the hypothesis that, following training, frame-of-reference-trained raters would possess schemas of performance that are more similar to a referent schema, as compared with control-trained raters. Schema accuracy was also hypothesized to be positively related to rating accuracy. Results supported these hypotheses. Implications for frame-of-reference training research and practice are discussed.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Employee Performance Appraisal / methods*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Regression Analysis
  • Reproducibility of Results
  • Teaching / methods*
  • United States