Contrast effect: This is the tendency to assess an applicant in comparison to the
performance of a previous applicant instead of using the assessment guide. Board
members have to be aware that they might encounter applicants who will stand out,
positively or negatively, and that subsequent applicants may be under- or over-assessed
as a result. In this situation, board members must not compare the applicants. Instead,
they should focus on evaluating each applicant relative to the assessment criteria.