ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses the research on accuracy of judgements of personality and ability, and examines the problems that arise with ratings, multiple choice and ranking. Psychologists tend to focus more narrowly on the complex methodological problems of studying accuracy, and to conclude that they are so nearly insuperable as to make research in the area impossible. Two studies using ratings in Repertory Grid format also appear to have used difference scores, although it is difficult to be sure since their account merely names the computer program used to score the data. Recent studies on correlates of 'self-monitoring' and empathy have used difference scores to compare self-ratings with peer ratings; Tunnell acknowledges the possible difficulties and also presents a profile analysis, but Mills and Hogan, and refer to Cronbach's critique. Cronbach's analysis is less relevant if one's main interest is studying accuracy of judging personality; if ratings create methodological problems, the answer is to use a technique.
