RATING SCALES
Methods of estimating abilities: Order of merit; grouping; the Scott form
of man-to-man comparison scale; the scale of alternatives or two steps;
per cent scales; multiple-step scales; linear scales; descriptive scales; graphic
rating scales.
THE rating scale is a method of recording estimates of
abilities in a quantitative and comparable way. It is not,
strictly speaking, a tool of exact measurement like a test.
The records represent subjective impressions and do not
have the objectivity and reliability of test scores and other
more accurate measures of abilities. Nevertheless, they
are an improvement over unsystematic judgments.
In addition to their particular use in vocational selection,
rating scales have proved valuable in determining progress
in training, in indicating specific needs for self-improvement,
and in solving questions of promotion or salary readjustment.

In an investigation in vocational selection the rating scale
serves the important purpose of gaging abilities which cannot
 be measured by more objective methods. The investigator
 may recognize in advance that a certain ability which
he considers essential to success at the job cannot possibly
be measured by objective tests at the present stage of progress
 in psychology. In that event, instead of ignoring the
ability entirely, he may choose to construct a rating scale
for measuring it. Ratings of employees on such abilities
may be made by fellow workers and executives and, in order
to determine their validity, may be compared with standings
in the criterion of vocational success. Once they have been
evaluated in this way, ratings by interviewer, examiner,

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