This review covers the past 25 years of research literature on training observers of behavior, specifically in the areas of interviewing, reducing rater bias, interpersonal perception and observation as a research tool. The focus is on training procedure (i.e., the various training designs and their components). An attempt is made to organize and systematize the research and to answer two important questions. Which approach(es) used to train observers of behavior has (have) been most successful? What are the theoretical or empirical bases for the development of those training programs?

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This experiment studied the main and interactive effects of anonymity and professor on student ratings of faculty performance. Ratings of faculty performance were obtained from 244 students in seven classes using a 20-item rating form with Positive Item Total (PIT; a = .77) and Negative Item Total (NIT; a = .87) subscales. Results showed main effects for professor for both the PIT and NIT scales. Hypothesized main effects for anonymity were insignificant for both the PIT and NIT scales. The Anonymity x Professor interaction was marginally significant for the PIT scale, but not for the NIT scale. Implications of these findings for practices associated with the collection of rating data from students are discussed.

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