Welcome to the second course module. In this section we will be looking at how bias might arise in various parts of an assessment process. Whether assessing an application for a research grant or an appointment, the task is clear: to select the foremost project or the most qualified candidate. In practice, this is an extensive process with many different stages and many stakeholders. The assessment of qualifications and the selection of the right candidate is a complex human activity encompassing individual judgements and standpoints.

The assessment process itself is comprised of many stages, from formulating the specialisation or disciplinary domain of the call or position to choosing external experts, reviewing their opinions, preparing for the assessment panel meeting and following up. Bias may occur at every stage of the assessment process and minor distortions at several different stages can combine to produce major consequences.

This section highlights bias at five different stages of the assessment process:

A Strategic direction and announcement/call text

B Choice of and instructions to external experts

C Reviews from external experts

D Assessement panel: who is entitled to speak?

D Assessment panel: bias in discussions

E Informal information and interaction