Define impression formation
The way in which we form impressions, often first impressions, of others and attribute specific characteristics to them
Whats the configural model (Asch)
When you form an overall consistent impression rather than a combination of individual traits. There are central traits which determine an overall impression
Criticism of the configural model method
- ) artificial - we don’t get sequential lists when we first meet someone
- ) results are based on group averages - what about individual differences
- ) other information influences impressions (clothes, gait etc.
Method to test the configural model
Researcher gave participants a list of the same words. One group had a positive word at the top of the list, the other a negative word. participants gave a more positive description of the person if the positive word was at the top rather than a negative word
What is cognitive algebra
We assign a subjective value to each trait observed based on how we value it.
- ) summative - add up each score
- ) averaging - causes a few strong traits to influence impression than many mild traits
- ) weighted average - we assign some traits a higher value based on the context
Willis and Todorov study into the speed of impression formation
117 undergrad students. showed them faces for 100ms, 500ms and 1000ms. Participants judgements were compared to any time constraint group. Trustworthiness was most similar to no time constraint group.
Whats a negativity bias
Negative traits have a greater impact on impressions than positive traits.
What is the halo effect
People attribute positive qualities to physically attractive people. They are approached and spoken to more.
Describe research into the halo effect
21 students exposed to an attractive or unattractive face for 13ms then judged if words were positive or negative. Attractive faces activate positive thoughts causing faster categorisation of positive words.
Describe research into cultural differences in impression formation
30 US men and 40 indigenous Bolovian men rated photos of US or Bolovian faces. Strong agreement across US and Bolovian ratings on attractiveness and baby-faces for own and different culture faces. Baby faces rated as less dominant, halo effect in both cultures
Real world impacts of impression formation
- ) politics - participants more likely to rate winner of US state governors as more competent without knowing who they are
- ) face of a defendant in court was manipulated to look trustworthy or untrustworthy. When ‘convicted’ with a mild crime there was no difference in the amount of evidence needed for jury to convict. When ‘convicted’ of a serious crime more evidence was needed if defendant had a trustworthy face
