FAA Fundamentals of Instructing (FOI)Assessment and CritiqueEasy
A flight instructor dislikes documenting student weaknesses and consistently marks nearly every maneuver as 'satisfactory' on training records, even when a student clearly failed to meet the standard. This grading tendency is known as:
- AHalo effect
- BContrast effect
- CLeniency error
- DCentral tendency error
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Leniency error
Leniency error occurs when an evaluator consistently grades too generously, avoiding low or failing marks regardless of actual performance. This differs from central tendency (clustering ratings in the middle) and halo effect (letting one trait color the whole evaluation).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Halo effect is letting one impressive trait bias the entire evaluation, not general over-grading.
- B. Contrast effect involves comparing one student's performance to another's, not general leniency.
- D. Central tendency error means avoiding both extremes, not consistently giving high marks.
Leniency Error
A grading bias in which an instructor habitually rates performance more favorably than warranted, avoiding critical or failing marks.
- Undermines accurate assessment and safety standards
- Opposite tendency is severity error (grading too harshly)
- Common when instructors want to avoid conflict or discourage students
Memory trick: Lenient Larry always says 'good job' no matter what.