Perceiving others is so simple: Implicit simplicity of personality perceptions in a dyadic design

People judge others on simplified trait structures when evaluating the Big Five, which is referred to as implicit simplicity (IS: Beer & Watson, 2008). The present study investigated IS in minimally acquainted informal dyads. Hundred and eighty-six participants interacted for a short time on a task, and then provided self- and peer-ratings on the IASR-B5 (Trapnell & Wiggins, 1990). IS manifested in a global evaluative “halo-factor” with some accuracy and was related to perceivers’ interpersonal attraction ratings and personality traits. The driving forces behind IS are discussed.

► People converge traits against each other in peer-ratings (Implicit simplicity: IS).
► IS examined with dyads (N = 93).
► Interpersonal attraction leads to more IS.
► People with “dark” traits engage into more IS and those with “bright” traits into less.
► IS has accuracy: perceivers may capture targets’ simplicity.