Method
        In our study, we examined how an individual rated his/her own personality versus how a friend rated that same individual’s personality.  We wanted to find out if people would tend to view themselves more favorably than their peers would, and how similar and consistent the results would be.  We focused more specifically within each of the five factors of personality examined by our questionnaire (neuroticism, agreeableness, openness, extraversion, and conscientiousness).  We wanted to determine if there was consistently stronger agreement among the pairs with respect to the individual factors.
Participants
            We had twenty-seven pairs of students participate in our study.  Five of the pairs were male-male, twenty-one were female-female, and one was male-female.  We recruited participants from all grades by announcements in morning meetings, as well as word of mouth.  Of each pair, one person filled out the personality inventory on him/herself (the “target”), while the second person (the “judge”) filled out the questionnaire (worded in third person) on his/her partner.
Materials
            Each participant received a copy of the consent form to sign (see Appendix A).  This ensured that the participants understood the general nature of the study and agreed to participate in the project.  Next, each person completed the demographics form (see Appendix B), which provided us with some additional information (gender, grade, and length of time that they had known their partner) so that we could calculate specific correlations with respect to those qualities.  Finally, each questionnaire began with a set of instructions (see Appendix C), which told the participant how to complete the questionnaire.

            The questionnaire used in our study was the Revised Neo Pi-R Personality Inventory (see Appendix D).  This 240-question survey was given to the target in each pair to fill out on him/herself.  The inventory assesses the five personality factors of neuroticism, extraversion, openness, agreeableness, and conscientiousness.  The questionnaire has items such as “I would rather praise others than be praised myself,” asking the participant to rate the degree of truth in each statement as it pertains to him/herself, with five options: strongly disagree, disagree, neutral, agree, or strongly agree.  The judge in each pair was given the same inventory, except that it was reworded to be in third person, for either male or female.  The judge could thus answer as each statement as it pertained to his/her evaluation of the target (see Appendix E and Appendix F).
Procedure
            We made an announcement during a morning meeting, briefly explaining our project (trying to make it sound fun) and letting people know that they needed to find a partner.  We made ourselves available at the end of the meeting to hand out the packets of questionnaires and forms.  We wrote down the names of each person in each pair as we gave them the packets, which allowed us to keep track of who was participating.  We let each pair decide which person would be the judge, and which the target, and gave them the corresponding questionnaires with matching code numbers, as well as the consent form, demographics, and instructions.  We had them fill out the surveys on their own free time, and asked for the completed forms back as soon as they completed them.  We made announcements at ensuing morning meetings, and then left notes for subjects, to remind them to hand in their packets.

Appendix A

Consent Form

I, ____________________________, agree to participate in the psychology study conducted by Erin Burke, Ashley Phillips, Sarah Stevens, Johanna Varner, and Jillian Weiser, for the purpose of researching personality perception.  I understand that all information I give in this study will be kept completely confidential, as all data will correspond with my questionnaire number and will be compiled with the rest of the results as a whole.  I understand that the answers I give will NOT be divulged to my partner.  I will complete the demographics sheet and the 240-question personality inventory to the best of my ability.  I understand that I may learn about my results after the analysis has been completed (if I remember my questionnaire number).

I, the undersigned, have read the above statement and have had the opportunity to ask questions.  I believe I understand the purpose of the research and hereby give my full and informed consent to participate in the study.

Signed ___________________________________________     Date _________________

Appendix B

Code:  ____  ____  ____  ____

Gender (circle one):   M      F

Grade in school:    9    10    11    12

How long have you known the person who is participating in this research as your partner?

A) 6 months or less

B) 6 months to 1 year

C) 1-2 years

D) 3-5 years

E) 5 years or more

I will be filling out the personality questionnaire on:     ____myself        ____my friend

Appendix C

Please read these instructions carefully before beginning.  Mark all of your answers on the answer sheet and write only where indicated.

This questionnaire contains 240 statements.  Please read each item carefully and circle the one answer that best corresponds to your agreement or disagreement.

Circle “SD” if the statement is definitely false or if you strongly disagree.

Circle “D” if the statement is mostly false or if you disagree.

Circle “N” if the statement is about equally true or false, if you cannot decide, or if you are neutral on the statement.

Circle “A” if the statement is mostly true or if you agree.

Circle “SA” if the statement is definitely true or if you strongly agree.

There are no right or wrong answers, and you need not be an “expert” to complete this questionnaire.  Answer honestly and state your opinions as accurately as possible.

Answer every item.  Note that the answers are numbered down the columns on the answer sheet.  Please make sure that your answer is marked in the correctly numbered space.  If you make a mistake or change your mind, erase completely or else make an “X” through the incorrect response and draw a circle around the correct response.

Appendix D

1.  I am not a worrier.

2.  I really like most people I meet.

3.  I have a very active imagination.

4.  I tend to be cynical and skeptical of others’ intentions.

5.  I’m known for my prudence and common sense.

6.  I often get angry at the way people treat me.

7.  I shy away from crowds of people.

8.  Aesthetic and artistic concerns aren’t very important to me.

9.  I’m not crafty or sly.

10.  I would rather keep my options open than plan everything in advance.

11.  I rarely feel lonely or blue.

12.  I am dominant, forceful, and assertive.

13.  Without strong emotions, life would be uninteresting to me.

14.  Some people think I’m selfish and egotistical.

15.  I try to perform all the tasks assigned to me conscientiously.

16.  In dealing with other people, I always dread making a social blunder.

17.  I have a leisurely style in work and play.

18.  I’m pretty set in my ways.

19.  I would rather cooperate with others than compete with them.

20.  I am easy-going and lackadaisical.

21.  I rarely overindulge in anything.

22.  I often crave excitement.

23.  I often enjoy playing with theories or abstract ideas.

24.  I don’t mind bragging about my talents and accomplishments.

25.  I’m pretty good about pacing myself so as to get things done on time.

26.  I often feel helpless and want someone else to solve my problems.

27.  I have never literally jumped for joy.

28.  I believe letting students hear controversial speakers can only confuse and mislead them.

29.  Political leaders need to be more aware of the human side of their policies.

30.  Over the years I’ve done some pretty stupid things.

31.  I am easily frightened.

32.  I don’t get much pleasure from chatting with people.

33.  I try to keep all my thoughts directed along realistic lines and avoid flights of fancy.

34.  I believe that most people are basically well-intentioned.

35.  I don't take civic duties like voting very seriously.

36.  I’m an even-tempered person.

37.  I like to have a lot of people around me.

38.  I am sometimes completely absorbed in music I am listening to.

39.  If necessary, I am willing to manipulate people to get what I want.

40.  I keep my belongings neat and clean.

41.  Sometimes I feel completely worthless.

42.  I sometimes fail to assert myself as much as I should.

43.  I rarely experience strong emotions.

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