The Development of a Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scale for Master's Student Evaluations of Field Instructors

Abstract

A reliable and valid instrument to use when evaluating field instructors across programs is needed. Behaviorally Anchored Rating Scales (BARS) have been found to be reliable and vaild in other settings. This study asked MSW students to provide examples of effective and ineffective field instructor behaviors for the construction of a BARS for other students to use when evaluating their field instructor. Responses allowed the identification of eight dimensions for a BARS. For each of the eight dimensions, effective and ineffective behaviors were assigned to anchor points on the rating scale of 1 (most ineffective) to 7 (most effective). Advantages and problems with the use of the BARS conclude the study.