ACCURACY OF BEHAVIORAL PREDICTIONS AT ZERO ACQUAINTANCE - A SOCIAL-RELATIONS ANALYSIS

The accuracy of behavioral predictions based on minimal information wa s assessed using the Social Relations Model (D. A. Kenny & L. Albright , 1987). Eighty women in unacquainted groups of 4 completed round robi n trait ratings and predictions about extraversion-related behaviors. Each S then had a 5-min videotaped 1-on-1 interaction with each of the other group members. Behaviors corresponding to those predicted were coded from the videotapes. Significant consensus was obtained for rati ngs of Extraversion and for behavioral predictions. Cross-partner cons istency emerged for ali coded behaviors. Although predictions of behav ior were not accurate at the dyadic level, significant generalized acc uracy did emerge. Thus, if a person was consensually predicted to be t alkative, for example, that person tended to be talkative across partn ers. Results are discussed in relation to the accuracy of interpersona l perception and Swann's (1984) theory of pragmatic accuracy.