Perceived Personality Similarity and Perceptions of Expert Testimony

This study examined perceived similarity in a mock juror-expert witness paradigm. Using a Five-Factor Model (FFM) perspective, 328 mock jurors provided self-rated personality characteristics and rated the expert witness on personality as well as testimony-related outcomes of credibility and agreement (as indicated by sentencing recommendations). Results showed that perceived similarity in all FFM traits predicted perceptions of expert credibility. Openness and Conscientiousness predicted agreement with the witness. Global perceived personality similarity was associated with credibility, but not agreement with the witness, when simultaneously evaluated with trait-level similarity. Findings support the utility of a multidimensional trait-based model of perceived similarity.