Subjects (n = 207) rated the stability of 115 traits. A positivity bias was found (r = .62) such that traits which were perceived as stable tended to be those that connote likableness. Also, traits relating to positive ability (e.g., intelligent, bright) were perceived as more stable than effort traits (e.g., motivated, industrious). However, no difference was found between negative ability traits (e.g., unintelligent, stupid) and effort traits. Implications for person perception research were discussed.
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Greenberg et al. (1978) studied this question.
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