The frame of reference approach as a solution to an assessment center dilemma.

This article describes how the frame of reference (FOR) approach to rater training for performance appraisal purposes (H. J. Bernardin, 1979; H. J. Bernardin & M. R. Buckley, 1981) was applied to traditional assessment center ratings and rater training. The method by which an FOR was established for the assessment center ratings is presented, including (a) definitions of dimensions of performance, (b) definitions of qualitative levels of performance within each dimension, and (c) specific behavioral examples of levels of performance on an item-by-item basis within dimensions. The resulting FOR was used to structure the training and certification of raters with the expectation of minimizing sources of rater unreliability. Implications for assessment center reliability, validity, and employee perceptions are also discussed. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)