Behaviorally anchored bias: A replication and extension of Murphy and Constans.

A recent study by K. R. Murphy and J. I. Constans (see record 1988-06380-001) found that behaviorally anchored rating scales (BARS) containing observed but unrepresentative behaviors biased ratings in the direction of those behaviors. This study extends the work of Murphy and Constans by adding a retention interval (immediate rating vs 1-week delay) as an independent variable. The principal finding of Murphy and Constans, that BARS induced a novel form of rating bias, was replicated. This bias was found in both the immediate and delayed rating conditions. Implications and directions for future research are discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)