Abstract:

Observer-rating is efficient in assessing people’s personality, and even more efficient than self-rating in certain circumstances. Based on realistic accuracy model (RAM) and weighted-average model (WAM), the focal observation summarized factors that might influence the accuracy of observer’s rating such as familiarity, quality of relationship with the target, the visibility of a trait, and assumed similarity. Moreover, we suggested several ways that might help in solving the problems of the current investigations. For instance, sampling in a wide range, enhancing the ecological validity in different circumstances and adopting multiple strategies to assess personality should be considered in future research.

Key words: observer-rating, personality assessment, realistic accuracy model, assumed similarity