Which evaluation error occurs when firefighters are rated based on personal ideals rather than job standards?

The frame of reference error occurs when individuals are evaluated based on their personal ideals, experiences, or beliefs rather than the established job standards and criteria that should guide performance assessments. This error can skew the evaluation process because assessments reflect personal interpretations rather than objective measures of job performance.

When an evaluator applies their own standards rather than the agreed-upon benchmarks for firefighter performance, the outcome may not accurately represent the firefighter's actual abilities or behaviors in their role. This can lead to inconsistent evaluations and ultimately affect morale and development opportunities within the fire service.

In this context, it's important to maintain a clear and objective frame of reference to ensure all evaluations are fair and equitable, adhering to professional standards pertinent to the job rather than personal biases.