Authors: Standing, Lionel; Keays, Gregory

Source: Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal, Volume 14, Number 2, 1986 , pp. 197-202(6)

Publisher: Scientific Journal Publishers

Abstract:

Subjects (N= 64) were shown a list of 66 personality traits, and indicated whether or not they possessed each one. Three weeks later, they were shown their trait list, another subject's trait list, a computerized personality profile derived from their traits, or a profile derived from another subject's traits. In each case they rated how well their personality was described by the trait list or profile, on three seven point scales. It was found that the spurious personality descriptions (both traits and profiles) were rated as highly for accuracy as were the genuine descriptions. Interpretive personality profiles were rated no higher than simple lists of trait names. It is argued that these results should be attributed to general gullibility rather than, e.g., the impressiveness of psychological tests.

Document Type: Research article

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.2224/sbp.1986.14.2.197

Publication date: 1986-01-01

More about this publication?

• The Journal's core purpose is scientific communication in the disciplines of Social Psychology, Developmental and Personality Psychology
• Editorial Board
• Information for Authors
• Submit a Paper
• Subscribe to this Title
• Terms & Conditions
• Contact the Publisher
• Search
• Manuscript Guidelines
• ingentaconnect is not responsible for the content or availability of external websites

Related content

• In this: publication
• By this: publisher
• In this Subject: Psychology/Psychiatry ,  Psychology ,  Social Science (General)
• By this author: Standing, Lionel ;  Keays, Gregory

Website © Publishing Technology. Article copyright remains with the publisher, society or author(s) as specified within the article.

• Terms and conditions
• Privacy policy
• Information for advertisers