Accuracy and bias in the perception of the partner in a close relationship.
Partners in close relationships can be both accurate and biased in their perceptions of each other. Moreover, sometimes a bias can lead to accuracy. The authors describe a paradigm for the simultaneous measurement of accuracy and bias in 2-person relationships. One prevalent bias in close relationships is assumed similarity: Does the person think that his or her partner sees the world as he or she does? In a study of 238 dating and married heterosexual couples, the authors found evidence for both bias and accuracy: the bias effects were considerably stronger, especially when the measure was linked to the relationship. They found little or no evidence for gender differences in accuracy and bias.
Kenny
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Department of Psychology, University of Connecticut, Storrs 06269-1020, USA. kenny@uconnvm.uconn.edu
Acitelli
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D003380:Courtship; D004644:Emotions; D004645:Empathy; D005163:Factor Analysis, Statistical; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007588:Job Satisfaction; D008297:Male; D008824:Michigan; D008960:Models, Psychological; D011593:Psychology, Social; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012737:Sex Factors; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012938:Social Perception; D018454:Spouses / Q000523:psychology*