TY - JOUR
T1 - Eavesdropping on social life
T2 - The accuracy of stranger ratings of daily behavior from thin slices of natural conversations
AU - Holleran, Shannon E.
AU - Mehl, Matthias R.
AU - Levitt, Stephanie
PY - 2009/8
Y1 - 2009/8
N2 - In two studies the authors examined the accuracy of stranger ratings of daily behavior based on thin slices of natural conversations. Methodologically, the studies extend past research by using a behavioral accuracy criterion, benchmarking zero-acquaintance accuracy against target and informant accuracy, and employing a representative design that sampled contexts from targets' daily situations. Theoretically, the studies investigate how stereotypes influence the accuracy of first impressions depending on their sample-based validity. Across both studies, after listening to five conversational snippets (2.5 min total), the ratings of strangers were as accurate as the targets' and informants' ratings. Further, ratings for gender-stereotypic behaviors with a kernel of truth resulted in greater initial accuracy than ratings for gender-stereotypic behaviors with no kernel of truth.
AB - In two studies the authors examined the accuracy of stranger ratings of daily behavior based on thin slices of natural conversations. Methodologically, the studies extend past research by using a behavioral accuracy criterion, benchmarking zero-acquaintance accuracy against target and informant accuracy, and employing a representative design that sampled contexts from targets' daily situations. Theoretically, the studies investigate how stereotypes influence the accuracy of first impressions depending on their sample-based validity. Across both studies, after listening to five conversational snippets (2.5 min total), the ratings of strangers were as accurate as the targets' and informants' ratings. Further, ratings for gender-stereotypic behaviors with a kernel of truth resulted in greater initial accuracy than ratings for gender-stereotypic behaviors with no kernel of truth.
KW - First impression
KW - Gender stereotypes
KW - Personality judgment
KW - Thin slice
KW - Zero-acquaintance
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=67349229775&partnerID=8YFLogxK
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U2 - 10.1016/j.jrp.2009.03.017
DO - 10.1016/j.jrp.2009.03.017
M3 - Article
AN - SCOPUS:67349229775
SN - 0092-6566
VL - 43
SP - 660
EP - 672
JO - Journal of Research in Personality
JF - Journal of Research in Personality
IS - 4
ER -