In which scenario might rater bias most significantly affect a candidate's evaluation?

When evaluators rely on their personal impressions, rater bias can significantly affect a candidate's evaluation because subjective judgments can skew the assessment process. Personal impressions are influenced by individual beliefs, attitudes, and experiences, which can lead to favoritism or prejudice. For example, if an evaluator has a positive or negative emotional reaction to a candidate based on their background or demeanor, this can overshadow objective criteria and lead to an unfair evaluation.

In contexts where personal bias plays a significant role, the objectivity of the assessment can suffer, making it more challenging to fairly assess the candidate's actual abilities and potential. Evaluators may unconsciously favor candidates who resemble themselves or who fit a particular stereotype, rendering the evaluation process less equitable and consistent.