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 readjust- 
ment. 
In an investigation in vocational selection the rating scale 
serves the important purpose of gaging abilities which can- 
not be measured by more objective methods. The investiga- 
tor 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 prog- 
ress 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, 
IX 
122