Aspects of Face-to-Trait Inferences As indicated by data, the way we treat and interpret others is based upon their appearance (Agnew, 1984). Researchers seek to understand how inferences can be made simply by another’s outward appearance or level of attractiveness. (Cogsdill, Todorov, Speike, & Banaji, 2014). Among this research, numerous studies have been conducted to understand why this phenomenon exists. Studies have suggested that face-to-trait inferences can be made within fifty milliseconds after exposure to a persons face (Todorov, Pakrashi, & Oosterhof, 2009). These specific character attributions are present cross-culturally and globally (Cogsdill et al., 2009). In order to accurately analyze face-to-trait inferences, researchers attempt to conduct studies where limited variables are present. Thus, the test subject must make inferences on another simply by their facial attractiveness. These studies have sought to examine the accuracy of personality judgments based on only photographs (Naumann et al., 2009) This studied yielded promising findings that revealed substantial accuracy in face-to-trait inferences. It should be noted, however, that there are limitations to studies such as the one previously mentioned. These studies focus exclusively on facial attractiveness, instead of physical attractiveness as a whole (Naumann et al., 2009). Facial and Bodily Attractiveness The bulk of research information pertaining to level of attractiveness and personality is largely based on facial beauty alone. Rarely can one find research pertaining to both facial and bodily level of attractiveness. However, a small group of researchers have attempted to study how inferences are made when basing level of attractiveness on the... ... middle of paper ... ...S., & Rentfrow, P. (). Personality Judgments Based on Physical Appearance. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33, 1661-1671. Hagan, F. E. (1982). Research methods in criminal justice and criminology. New York: Macmillan ;. Klotz, M. L., Alicke, M., & Smith, R. (). Judgments of Physical Attractiveness: The Role of Faces and Bodies. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 12, 381-389. Morris, S. L., Forgas, J., & O'Conner, K. (). Smile And Punishment: The Effects Of Facial Expression On Responsibility Attribution By Groups And Individuals. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 9, 587-596. Penton-Voak, I. (). Evolutionary Psychology Of Facial Attractiveness. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 11, 154-158. Testé, B., & Dumas, R. (). The Influence of Criminal Facial Stereotypes on Juridic Judgments. Swiss Journal of Psychology, 65, 237-244.
Hosoda, M., Stone-Romero, E. F., & Coats, G. “The effects of physical attractiveness on job-related outcomes: A meta-analysis of experimental studies”. Personnel Psychology, 56 (2003): 431-462.
Swami V, Stieger S, Pietschnig J, Voracek M, Furnham A, Tovée MJ, The influence of facial piercings and observer personality on perceptions of physical attractiveness and intelligence
Differences between men and women can affect what they perceive as attractive. Researchers have debated on the qualities that make an individual attractive to the opposite gender. In a study by Mardhekar and Aradhye (2010), researchers found that men rate physical attractiveness and efficacy in domestic abilities to be attractive qualities in women, while women rate education, intelligence, ambitiousness, industriousness, chastity, mutual attraction, and love as attractive traits in men. In addition, intelligence and education were rated as desirable traits in a romantic partner by 70% of both male and female participants. Good health w...
...alth. Males tend to have greater physiological health than those who have asymmetrical facial features (Manning, 1995). A study conducted by Grammer and Thornhill (1994) found that facial symmetry signalled health in males faces. However Shackelford and Larsen (1997)found a few significant negative links of facial symmetry with psychological, emotional and physiological health variables, but these findings did not replicate over their two samples. Also both males and females who have symmetrical facial features are rated as more physically attractive than those asymmetric individuals (Grammer &Thornhill, 1994). Many studies conducted on attractiveness using software such as image manipulation techniques, have found preference for faces that were changed to be more symmetrical (Little, Burt, Penton-Voak, &Perrett, 2001). In these studies only facial symmetry was
Physical appearance affects the way people think in many important moments in life. When looking for a job, for example, the manager will always look for the best candidate based on
Physical attraction itself includes universal perceptions common to all human cultures, as well as aspects that are culturally and socially dependent, along with individual subjective preferences. Previous research has shown that overall attractiveness is associated with one's physical appearance. There are not many researchers that would...
The media and general public portray a female’s sexuality as a mystery, but is it? Scientific research has revealed several factors that influence heterosexual women’s attraction to men. Researchers have shown that women are strongly attracted to men who are agreeable (Jensen-Campbell, Graziano, & West, 1995), intelligent (Hatfield & Sprecher, 1995), humorous (Bressler, Martin, & Balshine, 2006), generous (Sprecher & Regan, 2002), h igh level of income and social status are also key factors in mate selection (Townsend & Levy, 1990). The majority of women are attracted to symmetrical faces with masculine qualities such as a prominent chin and cheekbones as well as a body that is symmetrical and muscular, with the shoulders wider than the hips (Gangestad & Scyheyd, 2005). Women also prefer a man who is slightly taller than average with a deep voice (Buss, 2008). The combination of such traits is linked to good health and high testosterone levels, which increases the likelihood of reproduction (Gangestad & Scheyd, 2005). This research reveals that a female’s se...
...iful with more extreme features. Symmetry, expressions, gaze direction, familiarity, averageness, and youthfulness can all play enormous factors in how attractive a person is perceived as. “This demonstrates the incredible sophistication of the mechanisms and processes that are involved in face perception.” (Jones, B. C., DeBruine, L. M., Little, A. C., Conway, C. A. & Feinberg, D. R.(2006).)
Luchins, A.S. (1957). Forming impressions of personality: A critique. Journal of Abnormal and Social Psychology, 48, 318-325.
The phenomenon of “lookism” has been a running topic of discussion for a long time. The term is a culturally formed word used to describe the treatment of people who are thought to be physically attractive. As far back as 42 BC, Publilius Syrus declared that “A fair exterior is a silent recommendation” while Shakespeare said that beauty in itself persuades people without another form influence (Cavico, Muffler, & Mujtaba, 2012). A perfect example was given by James (2008), that when two women of similar qualification apply for the same job, the employer would likely pick the most attractive of the two. This decision is purely based on and informed by the notion that physical attractiveness is accompanied by other favorable
Although our diverse, multicultural society has become much more accepting of physical differences; those associated with ethnicity: an inmate sense of beauty, as well as an ingrained notion of attractiveness, defines the most desirable qualities in a lot of human beings. In reference, “Measuring up to the cultural idea of beauty has become necessary in this competitive, media-saturated world, especially for those in certain occupations.” As soon as the hair turns gray, the likelihood of getting a pink slip or being overlooked for a promotion increases. In the mindset of the man, competition among other men to date the most beautiful women, vice-versa, is quite common. Studies have shown time and time again that individuals tend to choose mates based on how attractive they are, or how they perceive themselves to be. Social scientists attribute much of this behavior to genetics, evolution, and the need to carry on the human race. Looks matter in the first stage of the competition, and attractiveness is a matter of survival, especially for women (Driscoll, Sally). Our society 's preoccupation with youth, beauty, and fitness affects each person differently. Some are oblivious, while others count every new wrinkle or wince every ounce gained. For most individuals body image plays a huge role in self-esteem and helps define others sense of self. Plastic surgeons state
Physical appearance is often the first characteristic seen in others that induces judgment, since it is prevalently, outwardly displa...
Taking all this information into consideration, the present study sought to investigate the effects occupational stereotypes have on forming impressions and personality judgements. The aim of the study was to see how different groups of participant rated a photograph of an unknown individual on things such as likability, wealth, education and status. This was done by using three separate groups, the same face was used on each image but the job title was changed for each test group.
Good physical appearance helps in building up flexible relationships. For example women who take care of their physical appearance manage to have a better relatio...
This paper is going to delve into the effect physical appearance has on attraction in romantic relationships, and the other factors that influence interpersonal attraction.