Ambiguity Effect in Self-Evaluation
In the reported study, self-ratings on positive traits rose as more criteria were available. The analysis found a main effect of criterion condition but no detected interaction with whether traits were positive or negative.
THE IDEA
Results and Discussion
Our prediction for Study 2 was straightforward: For positive traits, self-ratings were expected to rise as the number of the criteria that subjects could consider increased. For negative traits, self-ratings were expected to become lower as the number of criteria increased. We collapsed evaluations across the four positive domains into an overall evaluation. The same was done for evaluations along the three negative domains. These ratings were then subjected to a 4 (ambiguity condition: two, four, six, unspecified number of criteria) × 2 (positive versus negative trait) ANOVA, with the last factor serving as a within-subject variable. Two significant effects were observed. First, self-ratings for positive traits were higher than ratings on negative characteristics, F (1, 148) = 26.06, p *< .*0001. More central to our present concerns, there was a main effect for the number of criteria subjects were allowed to consider, F (3, 148) = 4.11, p *< .*01. No interaction between these two factors was observed, F < 2.
Table 18.2 displays responses of subjects under the various ambiguity conditions. As can be seen in the table, for positive traits, the effect of ambiguity was straightforward. As the number of criteria increased, self-evaluations rose, F (3, 148) = 4.32, p *< .*01. The progression is rather orderly from the two-criteria (M = 48.0) to the four-criteria (M = 52.2) to the six-criteria (M = 57.6) to the unspecified condition (M = 58.9).
When to use it
Self-evaluation in employee performance reviews with ambiguous or numerous criteria.
Examining how clearly specified criteria affect a self-assessment used in an application.
Testing whether a similar ambiguity effect occurs in product ratings, rather than assuming a self-evaluation result transfers to customers judging products.
FROM THEORY TO EVERYDAY LIFE
In practice
Positive Traits Criteria Experiment
In Study 2, participants evaluated positive traits under 2, 4, 6, or an unspecified number of criteria. Mean evaluations rose from 48.0 to 58.9 across the stated conditions. This describes the reported experiment, not a rule for every self-assessment.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT
Put it to work.
When evaluating your own positive traits, how does the number of criteria you consider affect your self-rating?
Think of a time you had to list multiple qualities for a self-assessment. Did you rate yourself higher than when limited to few criteria?
How might this effect influence performance reviews or college applications?
CONTINUE THE CONVERSATION
Source texts
- Heuristics and Biases The Psychology of Intuitive Judgment (Thomas Gilovich, Dale Griffin, Daniel Kahneman)