Which performance appraisal method combines elements of the traditional rating scale and the critical incident method, presenting levels on a scale described by specific job behavior?

• A. Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale
• B. Graphic Rating Scale
• C. Paired Comparison
• D. Essay Method

Answer: (A)

Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale blends a traditional rating scale with concrete behavioral examples drawn from critical incidents. In this approach, a job is analyzed to identify key performance dimensions, then actual observable behaviors—collected as critical incidents—are used to create anchor points on the rating scale. Each level on the scale is defined by specific, measurable actions, so raters don’t rely on vague judgments but compare performance to clear behavior descriptions. This makes ratings more objective and defensible and helps distinguish between different levels of performance.

The graphic rating scale relies on generic descriptors and lacks behavioral anchors; the critical incident method gathers examples but doesn’t usually provide a built-in, anchored rating scale; the essay method is narrative rather than a structured, behavior-based scale.