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Sentiment and bias in performance evaluation by impartial arbitrators

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  • Lenten, Liam J.A.
  • Crosby, Paul
  • McKenzie, Jordi

Abstract

This study investigates whether relative performance evaluations of labor output are biased in the presence of sentiment, even when the (supposedly independent) evaluators are external. Data from a field-experiment setting—involving a pro-sport League's best-player award—allows for empirical testing of this proposition. After controlling for within-match performance, the results show that the match officials provide significantly better evaluations to players celebrating a ‘milestone’ game—an occasion on which sentimental favorites exist. However, this sentiment bias holds only in certain cases, and appears to have weakened in more recent years.

Suggested Citation

  • Lenten, Liam J.A. & Crosby, Paul & McKenzie, Jordi, 2019. "Sentiment and bias in performance evaluation by impartial arbitrators," Economic Modelling, Elsevier, vol. 76(C), pages 128-134.
    • Handle: RePEc:eee:ecmode:v:76:y:2019:i:c:p:128-134
    DOI: 10.1016/j.econmod.2018.07.026
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    Cited by:

    1. Collins, Alan & McKenzie, Jordi & Vaughan Williams, Leighton, 2019. "When is a talent contest not a talent contest? Sequential performance bias in expert evaluation," Economics Letters, Elsevier, vol. 177(C), pages 94-98.
    2. Arne Feddersen & Brad R. Humphreys & Brian P. Soebbing, 2020. "Casual bettors and sentiment bias in NBA and NFL betting," Applied Economics, Taylor & Francis Journals, vol. 52(53), pages 5797-5806, November.

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    More about this item

    Keywords

    Evaluation; Labor; Modeling; Sport;
    All these keywords.

    JEL classification:

    • C21 - Mathematical and Quantitative Methods - - Single Equation Models; Single Variables - - - Cross-Sectional Models; Spatial Models; Treatment Effect Models
    • M59 - Business Administration and Business Economics; Marketing; Accounting; Personnel Economics - - Personnel Economics - - - Other
    • Z22 - Other Special Topics - - Sports Economics - - - Labor Issues

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