Topic > Reviewing the Effects of Physical Appearance on Perception...

Aspects of Face-to-Trait Inferences As indicated by the data, how we treat and interpret others is based on their appearance (Agnew, 1984). Researchers try to understand how one can draw conclusions simply from another's appearance or level of attractiveness. (Cogsdill, Todorov, Speike, & Banaji, 2014). Among this research, numerous studies have been conducted to understand why this phenomenon exists. Studies have suggested that face-to-feature inferences can be made within fifty milliseconds after exposure to a person's face (Todorov, Pakrashi, & Oosterhof, 2009). These specific character attributions are present cross-culturally and globally (Cogsdill et al., 2009). To accurately analyze face-to-face inferences, researchers attempt to conduct studies in which there are limited variables. Therefore, the test subject must draw conclusions about another simply from his or her facial attractiveness. These studies sought to examine the accuracy of personality judgments based on photographs alone (Naumann et al., 2009). This study produced promising results that revealed substantial accuracy in face-trait inferences. It should be noted, however, that there are limitations to studies such as the one mentioned above. These studies focus exclusively on facial attractiveness, rather than physical attractiveness as a whole (Naumann et al., 2009). Facial and Body Attractiveness Most research information regarding the level of attractiveness and personality is largely based on facial beauty alone. It is rarely possible to find research related to the level of attractiveness of both the face and the body. However, a small group of researchers have attempted to study how inferences are made when basing the level of attractiveness on...... middle of the paper ...... S., & Rentfrow, P. (). Personality judgments based on physical appearance. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 33, 1661-1671.Hagan, F. E. (1982). Research methods in criminal justice and criminology. New York: Macmillan;.Klotz, M.L., Alicke, M., & Smith, R. (). Judgments of physical attractiveness: The role of faces and bodies. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 12, 381-389.Morris, S.L., Forgas, J., & O'Conner, K. (). Smiling and punishment: The effects of facial expression on the attribution of responsibility by groups and individuals. Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 9, 587-596.Penton-Voak, I. (). Evolutionary psychology of facial attractiveness. Current Directions in Psychological Sciences, 11, 154-158. Testé, B., & Dumas, R. (). The influence of criminal facial stereotypes on legal judgments. Swiss journal of psychology, 65, 237-244.