The aim of this thesis was to investigate the processes involved in constructing a personality rating: specifically, what judges attend to and use when rating personality. In doing so, this thesis addressed the call for research on factors that contribute to personality ratings, which was originally posed by Webb (1915). A key model for addressing this question and which is consequently integrated throughout this research is Funder’s (1995) realistic accuracy model (RAM). According to RAM, the accuracy of personality judgements is affected by the relevance, availability, detection, and utilisation of information. Based on RAM, Funder (1999) identified key factors that influenced personality judgements that were associated with the target of personality ratings, the personality trait, the quality and quantity of information, and the judge of personality ratings. These factors were used as a starting point to ascertain the types of information judges are most likely to attend to and use in rating personality.