Ambrose was rated as having average performance levels when he worked in the design department of the Midwestern region of the company.Last year Ambrose was transferred to the Northeastern region where he holds the same job.Although Ambrose's production numbers have been consistent,he has been rated as an outstanding performer this year.It is most likely that Ambrose's varying performance appraisals have been affected by the ____ error.
A) central tendency
B) primacy
C) halo
D) contrast

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The contrast error occurs when an employee's evaluation is biased because of a comparison with other employees rather than an objective assessment of their own performance. Since Ambrose's performance ratings changed after moving to a different region, despite consistent production numbers, it suggests that the difference in ratings is due to the comparison with different sets of coworkers in the two regions, not a change in his actual performance.

Ambrose Was Rated as Having Average Performance Levels When He