PSY 005 Lecture Notes - Lecture 2: Nonverbal Communication, Physical Attractiveness, Psych
29 May 2020
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Knowledge about people"s characteristics = cognitive representation (body of knowledge stored in memory) We use multiple cues when forming impressions: visible cues/raw materials = physical appearance, nonverbal communication, environment. What do we use to form impressions of people. Study: university students paired for an evening of talking & dancing - rated attractiveness, social skills & intelligence. Found: attractiveness affected ratings of intelligence & social skills (e. g. confidence, warmth, friendly ratings) Less likely to be chosen for jobs that require mature characteristics - e. g. will not get jobs that require competence. Less likely to be convicted of violent crimes. Todorov, mandisodza, goren & hall (2005): students rated different politicians on perceived competence. Candidates chosen by the students (purely on physical appearance) actually won the election despite people knowing more information about them. People who are perceived as more competent = win the election. Those who are on the fence when have to make a decision - go with gut feeling.
