An Examination of Negative Halo Error in Ratings

Several studies which have used correlational measures to compare levels of observed halo in ratings with true halo levels have found "negative halo error," or true halo that exceeds observed halo. The authors derived a causal model of halo error based on a widely accepted definition of halo error and, in the context of this model, formulated three hypotheses to explain findings of negative halo error. Reanalyses of data reported recently by Kozlowski and Kirsch (1987) and Murphy and Reynolds (1988) supported the hypothesis that "negative" halo error can be indicated when positive halo actually occurs along with imperfect correlational rating accuracy. It is suggested that positive halo rating error may be more pervasive a phenomenon than has recently been thought.