This research compares the Snyder (1974) and Lennox and Wolfe (1982) self-monitoring scales. The data indicate that the Snyder scale is multidimensional. The factors of the Snyder scale correlate dissimilarly with important characteristics of self-monitors. Only the other-directedness factor is significantly related to behavioral cross situational variability. Unexpectedly, high self-monitors are not more accurate in their perception of social information. The factors of the scale correlate dissimilarly with self-esteem, inner-other directedness, social desirability, and performance styles P, R, and C. The Lennox and Wolfe scales show better psychometric properties. They have much higher levels of reliability. The three factors are relatively independent and show a more consistent pattern of relationships with related variables. High scorers on all scales are found to possess characteristics different than would be predicted from Snyder's construct. The findings raise questions as to the validity of self-monitoring as presently conceptualized. (Author)