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social dynamics
You become more likeable when you commit a blunder.
A 1966 study found that a highly competent person is perceived as more likeable after making a clumsy mistake.
Researcher Elliot Aronson had participants listen to recordings of a quiz contestant. When the contestant spilled a cup of coffee, they were rated as more attractive than when they were flawless. This effect is limited to those who have already established their competence.
Competence earns respect, but humanity earns affection.
Where this comes from
- Study
- Pratfall effect, Elliot Aronson, 1966
- What the check found
- The 1966 Aronson study is a seminal finding in social psychology. The effect is well-documented, though often misunderstood as universal when it is actually conditional on high initial perceived competence.
- 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.