A Value Perception Bias for Close Others

Why don’t people perceive their close others accurately, though they have ample information about them (Barni et al.,2019; Murray et al., 2000)? One of the reasons for this might be a bias based on personal values: transsituational abstract goals that constitute guiding principles for life (e.g., security, achievement; Schwartz, 1992). We propose that in close relationships perceivers see targets as resembling their own values. Method: Six studies (n=2125, 5 pre-registered) tested this bias, with dyads of friends, families, and romantic partners. The participants reported their personal and perceived values and behavior. Results: In all studies, personal values are positively related to perception of the target, while controlling for the actual target behavior/value (Mean f2=0.15 , Mean p<0.001). The effect is found for perception of behavior as well as values, for all relationships. Discussion: A value perceptual bias exists in perception of close others. Implications for relationships and development are discussed.