In the behaviorally anchored rating scale, levels are described by what?

• A. Each level is described by specific job behaviors
• B. It uses only numerical scores
• C. It relies on peer ratings
• D. It ignores critical incidents

Answer: (A)

Each level is described by specific job behaviors. In a behaviorally anchored rating scale (BARS), you define performance levels using concrete, observable actions that illustrate what each level looks like on the job. This anchors judgments in real behavior rather than vague impressions, making ratings more objective and consistent across raters. The anchors are often developed from critical incidents—actual examples of effective and ineffective behavior—so the scale reflects meaningful, task-related actions. While a numeric label may accompany the level, the essential feature is the behavioral description that guides evaluation. BARS isn’t about relying on peer ratings alone, and it explicitly uses critical incidents to build the anchors.