Impression Formation in Schizophrenics and Normals

Abstract

Schizophrenic and normal Ss dichotomized by sex and by scores on Rotter's test of Internal versus External Control, rated the average American man, an unfavorably described individual, and a person who was favorably described, on 15 trait-pair scales at the “apparent” and “real” levels of personality. “Apparent” personality refers to what the person appears to be, whereas “real” personality refers to how that person really is. Ss, irrespective of pathology, were more certain of their ratings for the favorably described individual. Normal Ss were higher than schizophrenic Ss on the “apparent” personality rating of the average American man and on the “real” personality rating of the unfavorably described individual.