thought you’d get a 5, because you did think that. But, again, you don’t yet understand why you got a 4, so a request to change it is premature. After the discussion you may agree that a 4 is the appropriate rating, or you may think you deserve a 5. If so, with what you’ve learned, you’ll be able to articulate your reasoning. Result: Your boss says “no.” End of story. End of learning. End of chance to influence. Or, your boss says she’ll consider it, but has no new information or way of thinking about the matter that would make any difference.
