(Not Finding a) Sequential Order Bias in Elite Level Gymnastics

Abstract

Sequential order bias is often used to refer to timing biases in sequential order judging. However, there are two distinct biases within this structure: overall order bias, a bias throughout the event, and a sequential order bias, a judgment biased by the immediately preceding performance. I independently test these forms of bias using uniquely suitable data from elite level gymnastics. After modeling overall order bias, I find evidence that this bias exists, as scores escalate throughout the competition. However, I find no evidence of a sequential order bias; scores are independent of the immediately preceding performer.