How can we reduce bias during an academic assessment reappraisal?

Abstract

Aims: To describe potential sources of bias during an academic assessment reappraisal and ways to mitigate these.

Methods: We describe why the typical scenario of an academic assessment reappraisal – where committee members are asked to weigh contrasting accounts of past events that they did not witness, and to rate elusive constructs, such as “fairness” – is prone to multiple types of bias, including attribute substitution, default bias, confirmation bias, and impact bias. We also discuss how increased awareness of sources of bias and of debiasing strategies can improve the validity of decision making.

Results: Strategies that can reduce bias in reappraisal include clearly articulating and focusing on the reappraisal question (did bias cause a wrong decision to be made?), educating those involved in the reappraisal of the types of bias that frequently occur in teaching and assessment (including biases that they themselves may introduce to the reappraisal), and ensuring that those involved in the reappraisal contribute equally to making decisions and recommendation.

Conclusions: All academic assessments of students, particularly those that involve subjective ratings of performance, are prone to bias, which threatens the integrity of the assessment process. Given the high stakes of academic assessments, we feel that each medical school should have a process for assessment reappraisal that reduces, rather than compounds, the likelihood of wrong assessment decisions.

Correction Statement

This article has been republished with minor changes. These changes do not impact the academic content of the article.

Disclosure statement

The authors report no conflicts of interest. The authors alone are responsible for the content and writing of this article.

Glossary

Attribute substitution: Refers to a process whereby judgment of a complex target attribute is replaced by judgement of a less complex [heuristic] attribute.

Additional information

Notes on contributors

Janeve Desy

Janeve Desy, MD, is Director of Student Evaluation.

Sylvain Coderre

Sylvain Coderre, MD, is an Associate Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education.

Melinda Davis

Melinda Davis, MD, is the Anesthesiology Clerkship Director and member of the Student Academic Review Committee.

Ronald Cusano

Ronald Cusano, MD, is Director of the Student Advising and Wellness.

Kevin McLaughlin

Dr. Kevin McLaughlin, PhD, is an Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Medical Education.