DISTINGUISHING CONTEXT EFFECTS FROM CONTEXT ERRORS IN JUDGMENTS OF BEHAVIOR

Context effects (assimilation and contrast) are examined in relation t o accuracy in judgments of stimuli. Context effects are distinguished from context errors. This is shown to depend on one's definition of tr ue scores, rater tendencies (leniency-severity) relative to true score s, and the direction and magnitude of observed context effects. The fr amework is illustrated empirically in a study of contrast effects invo lving performance judgments. Implications for reliability, validity, a nd agreement of behavior judgments in practice are explored.