Impression formation Flashcards
What is impression formation?
The way in which we form impressions, often first impressions, of others and attribute specific characteristics to them
What are the theories of impression formation?
Configural model, cognitive algebra
What is the configural model?
Form an overall consistent impression - gestalt approach - rather than set of individual traits. Central traits that determine the overall impression - greater impact.
Primacy effect - information presented earlier has a greater impression than others
Critical thoughts on Asch
Artificial - neat sequential lists
Focus on open-ended written descriptions that were not systematically analysed
Results were based on group averages, what about individual differences
Other information also influences impressions - clothing etc
Cognitive algebra - 1965 1978
Impression formation is an evaluative process
Imagine each trait has a subjective value assigned to it
The evaluations are combined through summative, averaging (a few strong traits can influence impressions more than a lot of mild traits) , weighted averaging (certain traits given greater weighting in certain contexts.)
What study looks at how quickly impressions are formed?
Willis and Todorov 2006 - Asked to make judgement abouts a person they are shortly exposed too, shown at different timelengths. Found 100ms is enough exposure to form a wide range of trait impressions
Criticisms and questions of Willis and Todorov’s study
What about shorter durations, are impressions influenced by non-face information, small sample of university students
What is negativity bias?
Negative traits have a greater impact on impressions than positive traits. Negative information is remembered more. Negative traits are more predictive of voting behaviour than positive traits
Explain physical appearance and impression formation
Often the first and most salient piece of information available to us
What is the halo effect?
Generally attribute positive qualities to physically attractive people
Physically attractive people are approached and conversed with more, this preference starts early
What do baby-faced faces have and associated with?
Larger eyes, higher eyebrows, rounder face, smaller chin, thicker lips. Attributed with childlike characteristics.
Baby-facedness and power
Babyfaced kennedy was perceieved as less powerful compared to older kennedy
What do computer generated faces allow for?
Manipulation of specific facial features. High experimental control
What are non-facial physical appearance cues?
Walking style - Gait
Youthful gait rates as more powerful and happy
Clothing
