Hartree–Fock results for some spin-orbit parameters are presented. The calculations are based on the Blume and Watson (1962) expression for the spin-orbit parameter, derived on the assumption that the atomic wave function is antisymmetric.The results are compared with experimental values and it is shown that the earlier conclusions concerning the accuracy of the spin-orbit parameter for 3p and 3d electrons are not valid. The results are also compared with Hartree–Fock–Slater values based on a simplified definition.