Paper People Versus Direct Observation: An Empirical Examination of Laboratory Methodologies
David J. Woehr, Charles E. Lance
Journal of Organizational Behavior, Vol. 12, No. 5 (Sep., 1991), pp. 387-397
This article consists of 11 page(s).
Abstract
This study used Signal Detection Theory (SDT) measures to test competing predictions derived from stimulus presentation mode and signal-to-noise ratio hypotheses about differences between paper person and direct observation laboratory studies of individuals' judgments. Subjects viewed a videotape, read a script, or read a list of critical behaviors depicting one of two hypothetical college lectures. Subjects then completed a recognition test of memory for performance behaviors, and rated the lecturer's performance on five performance dimensions. Results supported the signal-to-noise hypotheses: behavioral memory and performance ratings were more accurate, and ratings contained less halo in the performance-signal-only (list) condition than in the signal-plus-noise (script and videotape) conditions. Implications for the conception of performance in laboratory manipulations and the potential effects of performance-irrelevant information on rating outcomes are discussed.
