Describing traits with evidence
Compare self-reports, observer reports and repeated observations as sources of information about traits.
The picture in words
- Self-report
- A person describes their usual patterns.
- Observer report
- Someone familiar describes observed patterns.
- Repeated observation
- Behavior is examined across relevant occasions.
Reading the illustration
Follow each evidence folder into the descriptive profile. Agreement and differences help researchers evaluate patterns across sources and occasions.
Try a question
What could an observer report contribute alongside a self-report?
Show the explanation
An observer may notice patterns in shared situations, while the person has access to their own experiences. Researchers evaluate agreement, differences and measurement quality.
Read the sources
- Spielman, R. M., Jenkins, W. J., & Lovett, M. D. (2020). Psychology 2e. OpenStax. https://openstax.org/books/psychology-2e/pages/11-9-personality-assessmentSelected rendered passages: Self-report inventories subsection.
- Noba: Personality assessment. (n.d.). https://nobaproject.com/modules/personality-assessmentSelected rendered passages: Informant ratings subsection.