Social Psychology

Implicit Personality Theory – 1.1

Implicit personality theory is defined as something which makes people function as an individual. A particular form of implicit personality theory looks at how personality is structured and what traits tend to go together or cluster. This is referred to by Zebrowitz (1990) as ‘person type’.

Research has shown that an individuals name is part of the central core of the self-image. This can sometimes form a basis for other expectations. Harari & Mcdavid (1973) pointed out that first names, like surnames are often associated with particular characteristics, partly determined by the media. Harari and Mcdavid asked experienced teachers to evaluate a set of short essays which had been written by 11 year olds who were identified by their first name only. Some essays were randomly associated with four names, stereotyped by other teachers as attractive and favorable. Certain names were deemed as attractive and favorable and some names were deemed a...