The ability of individuals to make accurate judgments about others is examined and literature on this subject is reviewed. A wide variety of situational factors affects the appraisal of performance. It is generally accepted that the purpose of the appraisal influences the accuracy of the appraiser. The instrumentation, or tools, available to the appraiser, also influences ratings of the appraisee. Differences among the dimensions or traits also are situational factors that affect appraisal. Much accumulated evidence about appraiser accuracy is circumstantial at best. Renewed researcher interest in the individual differences among appraisers is warranted. These factors include personality, ability, background, and vocational interest. It has also been suggested that contributing factors to appraiser accuracy include aptitude, work motivation, job satisfaction, opportunity to observe ratees, and situational constraints. Appraisers may not be as inaccurate as much previous research implies. Twenty-eight references are listed. Three tables and one figure summarize research findings. (SLD)