Accuracy and assumed similarity in first impressions of personality: Differing associations at different levels of analysis

How are accuracy and assumed similarity associated in first impressions of personality? In a large-scale video perception study, accuracy and assumed similarity were strongly negatively associated across traits, consistent with past research (e.g., Beer & Watson, 2008). However, across perceivers and perceiver–target dyads, the ability to perceive others accurately was independent of the tendency to assume similarity with others. Thus, viewing others in general or specific others as overly similar to the self does not imply viewing them inaccurately. In sum, accuracy and assumed similarity are inversely related when examined across traits but are independent across perceivers and dyads.

► How are accuracy and assumed similarity associated in first impressions? ► Accuracy and assumed similarity were strongly negatively associated across traits. ► Accuracy and assumed similarity were independent across perceivers. ► Accuracy and assumed similarity were also independent across perceiver–target dyads. ► The relationship between these perceptual processes depends on the level of analysis.