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social perception
You assume attractive people possess other positive traits.
The halo effect causes people to perceive physically appealing individuals as more intelligent and honest.
In a 1972 study, researchers found that participants rated attractive subjects as having more socially desirable personalities without any supporting evidence. This bias occurs instantly and operates outside of conscious awareness.
We conflate visual beauty with internal virtue.
Where this comes from
- Study
- Dion et al., 1972
- What the check found
- The seminal 1972 study identified a broad positive bias toward attractive individuals, which subsequent research has consistently mapped to specific traits like intelligence and honesty.
- Confidence
- Well replicated
Related
One of these every day, and every one names the study it came from. When a finding is contested, it says so.