Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP) Practice Exam

Evaluating candidates using a relative rating scale can lead to what type of rater error?

1. Recency

2. Halo

3. Contrast

4. Central tendency

The correct answer is: Halo

Using a relative rating scale in candidate evaluation can lead to the halo effect, which occurs when a rater allows one positive attribute of a candidate to influence their overall assessment, overshadowing other important characteristics. This error typically arises when evaluators perceive a candidate positively due to one specific quality, such as previous experience or an impressive interview presence, and then inadvertently rate them higher in all other areas, regardless of their actual performance or competencies in those specific areas. The halo effect can distort the evaluation process by not allowing the rater to objectively assess all dimensions of a candidate's abilities. It makes it crucial for evaluators to remain aware of the potential for this bias and to take steps to minimize its impact, ensuring that each attribute is considered independently to provide a fair and accurate assessment. Other errors like recency, contrast, and central tendency influence ratings differently, but they do not specifically relate to how one attribute can improperly sway the judgment of an evaluator across all criteria. Understanding the halo effect emphasizes the need for a well-rounded evaluation process to mitigate biases and ensure fair hiring practices.