Search and retrieval patterns for performance information: Effects on evaluations of multiple targets.

Abstract

In two studies we examined search, organization, and use of performance information about multiple targets. In Study 1, 41 subjects searched among 64 performance vignettes, stored in a 4 X 4 X 4 (Target X Task X Occasion) computer array. The predominant search pattern involved examining a set of performances by one target before proceeding to another. In Study 2 we tested whether various acquisition patterns affect organization and use of performance information. One hundred twentyfive subjects were shown 16 vignettes from Study 1, organized in target-by-target (target blocked), task-by-task (task blocked), or mixed sequences. Results indicated greater recall under blocked than under mixed conditions. Blocking also influenced organization in recall. Target blocking produced clustering by target; task blocking produced clustering by task; mixed presentation produced no discernible clustering. Accuracy of ratings for overall target performance was unaffected by blocking, but task blocking produced better differentiation among instances of good and poor performance exhibited by specific targets.We acknowledge the support of the National Science Foundation under Grant BNS-8023252 in carrying out this research. We also acknowledge the extensive and helpful comments of two anonymous reviewers on an earner version of this article.

SPECIAL ARTICLE: Cognitive, Social and Environmental Sources of Bias in Clinical Performance Ratings

“…Nathan and Lord 49 concluded, "Even under optimal conditions many subjects will not or cannot independently use five dimensions to rate performance" (p.112). Evidence supporting this conclusion was present in the Weekley and Gier 25 Cafferty et al 50 reported that raters organized information either by persons (performances of one person on all pertinent tasks, followed by performances for a second person) or by tasks (performances of all persons for one task, followed by performances of all persons for a second task, etc.). Not surprising, acquisition by person led to information being organized in memory by persons, whereas information acquired by task was organized in memory by tasks.…”

Social Cognition

“…One such alternative is organization by trait attributes (Herstein et al 1980;Pryor et al 1984; for a related study, see Cafferty et al 1986), such that all individuals who are intelligent are stored together in memory. Bond & Brockett (1987) argued against organization by traits , suggesting instead that the individuals' social context serves as the basis for organization (e.g.…”

Interpersonal Affect and Performance Appraisal: A Field Study

“…As such, a major goal of this study is to attempt to examine the affect-ratings relationship by studying the effects of an intervention designed to influence rater cognilive processes. There is a growing literature in this area, dating back to early cognitive appraisal models by Feldman (1981) and DeNisi et al (1984), that suggests a central role for the acquisition, storage and recall of information in the appraisal process (see, for example, studies by Cafferty, DeNisi, & Williams, 1986;DeNisi, Robbins & Cafferty, 1989;DeNisi & Summers, 1986;and, Williams, Cafferty & DeNisi, 1990).…”