Question

What is an example of criterion contamination when evaluating criterion validity?

a) Administering the test in a controlled environment
b) Including irrelevant factors in the criterion measure
c) Ensuring participant anonymity
d) Using a double-blind procedure

Answer 1

Criterion contamination refers to the inclusion of irrelevant factors in the criterion measure that obscure the true relationship between test scores and the performance they intend to measure, such as supervisor ratings influenced by personal relationships.

Step-by-step explanation:

An example of criterion contamination when evaluating criterion validity is including irrelevant factors in the criterion measure. Criterion contamination occurs when the criterion, which is the standard used to measure the performance of a test, includes factors that obscure the true relationship between the test scores and what the test is actually intended to measure.

For example, if an employer uses supervisor ratings to measure the job performance of employees, but those ratings are influenced by personal relationships rather than just work performance, this would be an instance of criterion contamination as it includes irrelevant factors.