APA Dictionary of Psychology

a behavior-based measure used in evaluating job performance. Employees are evaluated on each performance dimension by comparing their job behaviors with specific behavior examples that anchor each level of performance. The task of the rater is to find that point on the scale that is most typical of the employee’s performance on the dimension. BARS can also be used to evaluate the performance of job applicants in a situational interview. Compare behavioral observation scale; mixed-standard scale. See also critical-incident technique.