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Gender Bias in Field Training Evaluation Programs: An Exploratory Analysis

NCJ Number
167947
Journal
Women & Criminal Justice Volume: 8 Issue: 2 Dated: (1996) Pages: 79-90
Author(s)
W L Pelkey; M L DeGrange
Date Published
1996
Length
12 pages
Annotation
This is an exploratory analysis of gender bias in the evaluation of recruits during field training.
Abstract
An instrument containing a narrative description of police activities being performed by either a male or female recruit was randomly administered to Field Training Officers in three Colorado law enforcement agencies. The respondents rated the trainee on four performance variables on a seven-point rating scale. Male and female rates differed significantly on one variable measuring performance relating to observation skills and another measuring the total rating scale score, evidencing bias against female trainees. The lack of a random sample, in addition to its size, greatly limits the generalizability of this research. Future research considering replication or redesign of this study should conduct a more complete review to identify additional rating categories which might reveal areas in which both female and male trainees experience bias or excel as compared to each other. Ratings in this study were selected for ease of completion and clarity of relationship between the narrative and ratings. Tables, references