What type of evaluation error occurs when an officer judges based on aspects like race or religion?

The evaluation error that occurs when an officer makes judgments based on characteristics such as race or religion is categorized as bias. Bias in evaluations undermines objectivity and fairness, as it involves the influence of personal judgments and stereotypes rather than an impartial assessment of an individual's performance or characteristics. This type of error can lead to discrimination and can ultimately negatively impact team dynamics and organizational morale.

In contrast, the other options relate to different aspects of evaluative judgment. For instance, the frame of reference error occurs when an evaluator’s past experiences influence their current evaluation rather than the actual performance being reviewed. The recency effect refers to an evaluator giving more weight to recent behaviors or performances rather than considering the entire evaluation period. The contrast effect happens when the evaluation of one person is unduly influenced by the evaluation of another person, particularly if the individuals are compared directly. None of these capture the essence of making judgments based on inherent traits or identities like bias does.