Abstract
This study investigates how individuals are evaluated based on stereotypical profiles differing in competence and warmth, the two core dimensions of the Stereotype Content Model (SCM). Participants assessed individuals described as either high in competence and low in warmth (HCLW) or low in competence and high in warmth (LCHW) across a broad range of traits.
Consistent with the SCM, HCLW targets were perceived as significantly more competent but less warm, while LCHW targets were viewed as significantly warmer but less competent. Notably, LCHW individuals were rated as significantly more likeable, highlighting the primacy of warmth in interpersonal judgments. Several traits aligned predictably with the competence-warmth distinction, while others (e.g., such as honesty, calmness, and emotional stability) showed no significant differences, suggesting they may be viewed as universally desirable or trait-invariant.
These findings extend prior research by demonstrating that warmth and competence stereotypes influence not only global evaluations but also specific personality trait inferences. The results are discussed in terms of their theoretical and practical implications, as well as future research directions.