Evaluating Frame-of-Reference Rater Training Effectiveness Using Performance Schema Accuracy

Frame-of-reference training has been shown to be an effective intervention for improving the accuracy of performance ratings (e.g., Woehr & Huffcutt, 1994 ). Despite evidence in support of the effectiveness of frame-of-reference training, few studies have empirically addressed the ultimate goal of such training, which is to teach raters to share a common conceptualization of performance ( Athey & McIntyre, 1987 ; Woehr, 1994 ). The present study tested the hypothesis that, following training, frame-of-reference-trained raters would possess schemas of performance that are more similar to a referent schema, as compared with control-trained raters. Schema accuracy was also hypothesized to be positively related to rating accuracy. Results supported these hypotheses. Implications for frame-of-reference training research and practice are discussed.