social: impression formation

Question 1

define impression formation

Answer 1

way in which we form impressions of others and attribute specific characteristics to them

Question 2

what is negativity bias when forming impressions?

Answer 2

negative info is remembered more

negative traits have greater impact on impressions than positive traits

Question 3

describe a study that looked at the the speed at which impressions are formed

Answer 3

lab based study
photos of faces shown on screen and presented at different time exposures
(100ms/500ms/1000ms)
then asked if the person is competent? (yes/no)
compared ratings to no time constraint control
found 100ms is sufficient exposure time to form a wide range of trait impressions
suggests impressions have adaptive function as trustworthiness reaction times were most similar to control judgments

Question 4

what are the 2 classic theories of impression formation

Answer 4

configural model

cognitive algebra

Question 5

describe Aschs (1946) configural model theory

Answer 5

form an overall consistent impression, gestalt approach
central vs peripheral traits
central = greater influence
e.g. warm vs. cold / polite vs. blunt
ppts divided into 2 groups and given list of traits only differing by warm or cold
asked to write down impression formed
peripheral traits had less influence on overall impression than central traits

Question 6

what was the primacy effect in Aschs configural model?

Answer 6

first traits perceived → influence how subsequent traits are seen
if positive trait seen first → negative impressions that may follow are less likely because we want to make a simple consistent impression that was first observed (don’t want to change impression once we have formed one)

Question 7

describe the study by williams & barge (2008) that developed Aschs study on the configural model

Answer 7

ppts arrived and asked to hold either hot or iced coffee. then completed Aschs study of reading list of traits and then rating the target person.
higher ratings given when holding hot coffee compared to iced coffee
(ppts were unaware of this influence)
shows physical warmth experience increases feelings of interpersonal warmth (+ vice versa with cold)

Question 8

describe the cognitive algebra theory of impression formation

Answer 8

adaptive function to avoid dangerous people
evaluative process
assign a SUBJECTIVE numerical value to each trait and the value depends on what is important to each individual
then add up overall score = overall evaluation

Question 9

what are the 3 types of ways evaluations are combined in cognitive algebra?

Answer 9

summative
averaging
weighted averaging

Question 10

describe summative evaluations

Answer 10

each trait has value
more important traits to each individual = higher value
+ traits = + value
- traits = - value
add up total score
overall - value = negative impression (+ vice versa)

Question 11

describe averaging evaluations

Answer 11

strong central traits = higher value
mild peripheral traits = lower value

a few strong traits can influence impressions more than lots of mild traits
mild traits bring down the average

Question 12

describe weighted averaging

Answer 12

important traits depend on context
certain traits are given greater weighted averages in certain contexts
e.g.
being caring is important (+1 value)
being caring is more important if you are a nurse (+2 value)

Question 13

give some critical thoughts on Aschs 1946 configural model study

Answer 13

stimuli is artificial → neat sequential lists + clearly defined traits
(aren’t representative of a complex person in real life)
not quantitative
results based on group averages → what about individual differences?
role of perceiver e.g. mood on the day
other info (physical appearance) is needed to influence impressions

but…
aschs study was the first experimental study on impression formations → influential

Question 14

describe research on the role of physical appearance and its effect on impression formation

Answer 14

halo effect, baby faced faces, how early in development, facial processing using computer generated faces

Question 15

what are the benefits of using computer generated faces in research?

Answer 15

high experimental control
can easily manipulate variables
allows for the manipulation of specific facial features while other features can remain the same

Question 16

are facial expressions shared across cultures? use research in your answer

Answer 16

30 US and 40 Bolivian men
US → 7 point scale and laptop
Bolivian → pile of stones and photo album
rated both US and bolivian faces
strong agreement on both culture ratings for own and different culture faces
halo effect found for both and baby faces rated more submissive for both

Question 17

give examples of interpersonal and contextual factors that can influence impression formation

Answer 17

clothing, the perceiver, the context e.g. job status, culture/race/ethnicity, knowledge e.g. political

Question 18

what are the functions of impression formations?

Answer 18

to prevent danger → helps us navigate around our chaotic social world
cognitive short cuts → allows us to predict a persons behaviour in different situations
approach/avoid → adaptive
help us choose companions, form the right relationships

Question 19

give evidence that impression formations are adaptive

Answer 19

formed from minimal info
automatic impressions → formed within 100ms
consensus in impressions
halo effect → drawn towards ‘good genes’?
impression formations developed early → infants show early preferences for attractive faces
cross cultural consensus → bolivia study
trustworthiness recognised the fastest and greatest consensus in children and adult judgments