The Perception of Personality Trait Stability in Others: An Extension of the Fundamental Attribution Error
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Authors
Johnson, Nicholas D.
Issue Date
2011
Type
Thesis
Language
en_US
Keywords
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Abstract
Researchers often debate the extent in which personality remains stable. Evidence
supports claims that personality traits are both consistent and susceptible to change.
However, research has not yet studied how individuals perceive stability or change in
traits over time. Additionally, the fundamental attribution error has been studied with
person perception in time, but never on the influence of a behavior in the present on
perception of others over time. Surveys were completed to explore individual perception
of change. The results suggest that individuals perceive traits to change over time, yet
aggressive behavior in the present was attributed to unchanging traits over time. This
evidence suggests an extension of the fundamental attribution error; although individuals
perceive change, when encountering a certain behavior no change is predicted over time.
The research suggests greater investigation into the perception of different personality
traits, and discusses the benefits of multiple interactions with individuals before making
informed decisions, such as hiring a new employee.
Description
v, 56 p.
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License
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