Understanding and enhancing the accuracy of self- and meta-judgments of personality: An integrative lens model approach

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Mitja Back, since 6/2016
• Subject Area: Personality Psychology, Clinical and Medical Psychology, Methodology
• Term: from 2015 to 2017
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 270867187

In personality psychology, the lens model is typically invoked to explain the accuracy of personality judgments. The lens model assumes that individuals can correctly infer the personality traits of strangers, because they use observable cues that are related to the trait in question. We believe that this accuracy mechanism can also be applied to explain accurate personality meta-judgments (what do other people think about me?). However, two questions have to be answered then: How do individuals (1) acquire the cue-knowledge that they use to make valid trait ascriptions, and how can (2) this knowledge be conveyed to other individuals to improve the accuracy of their personality judgments? To answer both questions, we suggest a new process model that integrates assumptions of the lens model with newer models concerning the hindsight bias. This model specifies the processes underlying accurate trait inferences, how these processes are related to hindsight effects, and it suggests when accuracy increases should occur. We want to conduct four studies to test empirical predictions derived from this model. The results of the planned experiments will not only have important implications for theory development but also for the solution of important practical problems (e.g., improvement of personality judgments).

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• Ehemaliger Antragsteller: Professor Dr. Steffen Nestler, until 5/2016