Which error is demonstrated by generalizing a single negative performance incident to all aspects of performance?

• A. Horn Effect
• B. Halo Effect
• C. Central Tendency
• D. Leniency

Answer: (A)

One negative incident coloring the entire assessment is the horn effect. In performance appraisals, this bias happens when a single fault or misstep leads evaluators to view all aspects as weak, pulling down overall ratings even if other areas were solid. For example, missing a deadline might cause someone to be judged as unreliable across the board, affecting scores in multiple dimensions. This occurs because people rely on quick impressions and let one negative cue shape the entire picture.

This contrasts with the halo effect, where one positive trait or incident inflates judgments across all areas. Central tendency is when ratings cluster around the middle, avoiding extremes, and leniency is giving generally favorable ratings regardless of performance. Therefore, the described error is the horn effect.