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Search dog handlers show positive bias when scoring their own dog's performance

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Clark, Corinna C. A., Sibbald, Nicola J. and Rooney, Nicola J. (2020) Search dog handlers show positive bias when scoring their own dog's performance. Frontiers In Veterinary Science, 7 . 612. doi:10.3389/fvets.2020.00612

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2020.00612

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Abstract

Self-assessments of performance are commonly used in the human workplace, although compared to peer or supervisor ratings, they may be subject to positive biases or leniency. The use of subjective ratings scales in animal sciences is also common, although little consideration is usually given to possible rater bias. Dog handlers, work very closely and form strong relationships with their dogs and are also best placed to monitor dog performance since they often work in isolation. Previous work found ratings of search dog performance correlated well between experienced dog trainers, instructors, and scientists; but until now, there has been no investigation into ratings made by a dog's own handler. We compared handlers' subjective assessment of their own dog's search performance to scores given by other handlers and in a second study, to scores made by impartial raters. We found that handlers generally showed leniency; for example scoring their own dogs more favorably for Control (responsiveness to commands) and Strength of Indication. But the degree of bias varied with the trait being scored and between raters. Such differences may be attributable to greater desirability or importance of favorable scores for certain traits, or a lack of clarity of their precise meaning. Handlers may vary in susceptibility to bias due to differing levels of experience and the extent to which they view their dog's ability as dependent on their own. The exact causes require further investigation. We suggest working dog agencies provide rater-training to overcome leniency, improve reliability and validity, and to increase handler's motivation to provide accurate assessments. This study represents one of a series of steps to formulate robust, validated and evidence-based performance rating systems and has relevance to any situation where raters assess their own performance or others (particularly where they may have a vested interest in, or loyalty toward, the ratee).

Item Type: Journal Article
Subjects: B Philosophy. Psychology. Religion > BF Psychology
Q Science > QL Zoology
U Military Science > U Military Science (General)
Divisions: Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences
Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School > Health Sciences > Social Science & Systems in Health (SSSH)
Faculty of Medicine > Warwick Medical School
Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH): Prejudices, Search dogs, Subjectivity
Journal or Publication Title: Frontiers In Veterinary Science
Publisher: Frontiers Research Foundation
ISSN: 2297-1769
Official Date: 10 September 2020
Dates:
DateEvent
10 September 2020Published
29 July 2020Accepted
Date of first compliant deposit: 7 October 2020
Volume: 7
Article Number: 612
DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2020.00612
Status: Peer Reviewed
Publication Status: Published
Access rights to Published version: Open Access
RIOXX Funder/Project Grant:
Project/Grant IDRIOXX Funder NameFunder ID
DFAS RK7283Ministry of Defencehttp://dx.doi.org/10.13039/501100006083
Open Access Version:
  • https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10....

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