Six alternative models of the ways in which individuals accept and organize information from potential sources are proposed. Parameter estimates were obtained from experiments testing the effect of evaluations of performance upon an individual's conception of his own, and others', ability to perform specific tasks. Then the models were tested against data from an independent set of experiments. Results of the tests favor a simple additive model. Possible application of the models to extensions of this experimental situation and to natural settings are discussed. Two results with implications for education are: (1) it is the perceived ability of the evaluator which determines his effectiveness and (2) evaluators with perceived low abilities tend to be more effective at lowering self-evaluation than at raising it. (DG)