The above discussion leads to the conclusion that a more comprehensive definition is
required, regardless of whether we are predicting or evaluating. As such, a more general
definition is that a criterion represents something important or desirable. It is an operational
statement of the goals or desired outcomes of the program under study (Astin, 1964).It is an
evaluative standard that can be used to measure a person's performance, attitude, motivation,
and so forth (Blum & Naylor, 1968). Examples of some possible criteria are presented in
Table 4-1, which has been modified from those given by Dunnette and Kirchner (1965) and
Guion (1965). While many of these measures often would fall short as adequate criteria, each
of them deserves careful study in order to develop a comprehensive sampling ofjob or prograrn
performance. There are several other requirements of criteria in addition to desirability
and importance, but, before examining them, we must first consider the use of job performance
as a criterion.