What does the halo effect refer to in appraisal contexts?

The halo effect in appraisal contexts refers to the phenomenon where a person's overall impression of an individual influences their evaluations of that person's specific traits. This means that if an appraiser has a favorable overall view of someone, they may rate that person more positively in specific aspects, regardless of the actual performance or capability in those areas. For example, if an employee is perceived as friendly and hardworking, the appraiser might also rate them highly on unrelated skills, even if the evidence doesn't fully support such ratings.

This cognitive bias can significantly impact assessment outcomes, making it crucial for appraisers to remain aware of their impressions and strive for objectivity in evaluations. While the other options touch on aspects related to appraisals, they do not accurately define the halo effect, which is specifically about how general attitudes can skew ratings on particular attributes.