Scaling peer ratings: An examination of the differential validities of positive and negative nominations.

Peer ratings obtained by the nomination technique are typically scaled by algebraically combining the top nominations with the bottom nominations. It is thus implicitly assumed that top and bottom ratings are equally valid measures of performance. This assumption was tested in 2 studies of Reserve Officer Training Corps cadets (ns = 113 and 87) by correlating several kinds of peer rating scales with a number of criteria. Results suggest that negative nominations contribute little to peer rating scales and that the frequency of positive nominations may be the most useful index. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)