Self-other Agreement in Person and Thing Orientations
Abstract
Personality judgments are inherently subjective—perceptions of one’s own traits often differ from perceptions held by others. However, research on personality relies overwhelmingly on self-reports. This lack of methodological diversity threatens the validity and reliability of individual differences research. The current work addresses this common-method bias for person orientation and thing orientation, which are personality traits that reflect interest in different aspects of individuals’ environments. Three studies investigated self-other agreement in these orientations and compared convergence with Big Five traits and vocational interests. Study 1 (N = 193) presents evidence that thirteen individual difference constructs vary in observability and desirability, which are characteristics known to predict agreement. Study 2 (N = 958) found strong convergence between self-ratings and ratings by friends and family members. Study 3 (N = 608) examined personality judgments by unacquainted observers, demonstrating much lower self-other agreement when judges have limited information about targets. These studies also explored the moderating roles of observer type, acquaintanceship, information availability, and gender. Overall, this research indicates that self-other agreement is comparable for person orientation, thing orientation, and other established traits. These findings contextualize person and thing orientations within the broader individual differences literature, providing novel evidence for convergence while replicating previous self-other agreement research.
Degree
Ph.D.
Advisors
Graziano, Purdue University.
Subject Area
Social psychology
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