Physical attractiveness is a factor in forming relationships.
Shackelford and Larsen found people with symmetrical faces are rates as more attractive – it is a signal
of genetic fitness.
People are attracted to faces with neotenous features – babyface
Large eyes
Delicate chin
Small nose
o All trigger caring instinct
McNulty et al found evidence that the initial attractiveness brought the partners together BUT is also
important throughout relationship – e.g. even after marriage
Halo effect
We have ideas/schemas about personality traits attractive people must have – mostly positive
= physical attractiveness stereotype
Dion et al found that physically attractive people are consistently rated as kind, strong, sociable
and successful – compared to unattractive people
These positive ideas about attractive people make them seem even more attractive = self-
fulfilling prophecy
Halo effect = when physical attractiveness disproportionately influences judgements on
personality etc.
Matching hypothesis (Walster et al)
We select the people who approximately ‘match’ us in physical attractiveness.
we take into account our own attractiveness ‘value’ to others when finding a partner
Due to common sense telling us we can't all go for the most attractive people
We compare our ‘value’ with the potential partners ‘value’
It is a balance between aiming for the most physically attractive person possible and rejection
from someone ‘out of our league’
EVALUATION
Research support - halo effect
Palmer and Peterson found that physically attractive people were rated as more politically knowledgable
and competent – than unattractive people
Evidence of halo effect
Implications for political process/democracy
Shackelford and Larsen found people with symmetrical faces are rates as more attractive – it is a signal
of genetic fitness.
People are attracted to faces with neotenous features – babyface
Large eyes
Delicate chin
Small nose
o All trigger caring instinct
McNulty et al found evidence that the initial attractiveness brought the partners together BUT is also
important throughout relationship – e.g. even after marriage
Halo effect
We have ideas/schemas about personality traits attractive people must have – mostly positive
= physical attractiveness stereotype
Dion et al found that physically attractive people are consistently rated as kind, strong, sociable
and successful – compared to unattractive people
These positive ideas about attractive people make them seem even more attractive = self-
fulfilling prophecy
Halo effect = when physical attractiveness disproportionately influences judgements on
personality etc.
Matching hypothesis (Walster et al)
We select the people who approximately ‘match’ us in physical attractiveness.
we take into account our own attractiveness ‘value’ to others when finding a partner
Due to common sense telling us we can't all go for the most attractive people
We compare our ‘value’ with the potential partners ‘value’
It is a balance between aiming for the most physically attractive person possible and rejection
from someone ‘out of our league’
EVALUATION
Research support - halo effect
Palmer and Peterson found that physically attractive people were rated as more politically knowledgable
and competent – than unattractive people
Evidence of halo effect
Implications for political process/democracy
