Scoring the biographical information blank: A comparison of three weighting techniques

Abstract

This study compared three techniques for scoring a biographical information blank (horizontal percent method, vertical percent method, and rare response weighting) against various criteria for field sales representatives. The comparisons were cross-validated over five consecutive time periods. The results showed that the rare weighting technique significantly predicted criterion group membership better than chance. Neither the horizontal nor vertical percent methods predicted criterion group membership better than chance. Based on predictive efficiency, the rare weighting technique was found to be superior to the other two techniques.