Biases in the assessment of performance handicaps

Author(s): Shepperd, J. A.

Journal/Book: J Soc Clin Psychol. 1997; 16: 72 Spring Street, New York, NY 10012. Guilford Publications Inc. 420-439.

Abstract: We examine whether individuals display biases in their assessment of a performance handicap. Participants (N = 83) who took an intelligence test while listening to distracting music (a environmental performance handicap) received normative information suggesting that they probably scored above average or below average. In addition, some participants believed that they would learn their score at the end of the experiment and others believed that they would learn their score at a later date. As predicted, participants who suspected a below average score and anticipated feedback immediately after providing their assessments rated the music as more distracting than did participants who anticipated feedback at a later date and participants who anticipated an above average test score. The discussion focuses on cognitive versus motivational explanations for biased assessments of self-relevant feedback.

Note: Article Shepperd JA, Univ Florida, Dept Psychol, POB 112250, Gainesville,FL 32611 USA

Keyword(s): SELF-SERVING FUNCTION; PERSONAL HISTORY; ATTRIBUTION; STRATEGY; ACCOUNTABILITY; CAUSALITY; FEEDBACK; ANXIETY; FICTION; FACT

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