To predict some of the people some of the time: In search of moderators.

This study tested the prediction that 3 variables—self-reported trait relevance, consistency, and observability—would moderate correlations between self-ratings and peer ratings. These predictions received considerable support when the 3 moderators were measured by ranking procedures (i.e., rank ordering traits in terms of their standing on each moderator) and very litle support when the 3 moderators were measured by rating scales (i.e., rating each trait in terms of its standing on each moderator). The advantage of the ranking measure may indicate an advantage for moderators that distinguish among traits across or within individuals (intertrait and intraindividual moderators) as opposed to moderators that distinguish among individuals. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)