"A theoretical approach which conceives predictive behavior to be a function of one's perceptions of others is presented as a means of unifying certain empirical data ordinarily subsumed under the labels of social perception, empathy, or social sensitivity . . … all these forms of behavior rest operationally upon the predictive behavior of the individual . . . [which] is assumed to be dependent upon the interpersonal discriminations or constructs which the individual invokes in making his predictions." Two major hypotheses are derived: (1) There should be a positive relationship between degree of cognitive complexity and predictive accuracy, and (2) there should be a negative relationship between cognitive complexity and assimilative projection. The hypotheses are tested by having Ss predict the behavior of classmates on a Situations Questionnaire. Both of the hypotheses are supported by the data. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2006 APA, all rights reserved)