I still cannot see it – A replication of blind spots in self-perception

• Existence of distinctive and normative blind spots in self-perception confirmed.
• Replicated across different item sets, cultures and recruitment strategies.
• Targets were oblivious to some of the ways they were consensually seen by others.
• Nevertheless, participants also showed significant meta-accuracy and meta-insight.

Gallrein, Carlson, Holstein, and Leising (2013) tested a novel form of so called “blind spots” as conceived in the social reality paradigm that contrasts self- and metaperception with one’s reputation (i.e., the consensual impression one makes). They found that people are not always aware of the unique views that others have of them, providing evidence for distinctive blind spots in self-perception. The current research replicates this finding and the original effect size using a larger set of personality ratings (Study 1), a more diverse set of informants (Study 1) and two different cultures (Study 1 vs. Study 2). This replication suggests that the blind spot phenomenon is robust across item sets, participant samples, and language communities.