First Impression

Despite the crucial role of physical appearance in creating first impressions, until now little research had been done on the accuracy of personality impressions based solely on physical appearance. In the study, observers saw pictures of the entire body of 123 people who were not aware of anything. The people portrayed were viewed by observers sporting a controlled position with a neutral facial expression, or in a position expressed naturally. The precision of the criteria was measured by comparison with self-assessments of the subjects photographed and reviews of three informants who knew these people. Even when seen in the controlled position, observers could accurately judge some major personality traits, including extraversion and self-esteem. But many of the features were difficult to detect under these conditions. When observers saw the natural size of each person (such as a smile or a power position), criteria were necessary for 9 of the 10 personality traits. It has long been known that people come to conclusions about others based on very little information, but what is striking is checked, as has been done in this study, many of these impressions contain correct conclusions, and can be reach them even from something as simple as a single picture.

However, it noted that observers, despite these successes, still make many errors. Even so, says the study is important because it provides new light on the sources of accuracy and precision of this kind of views. Knowing what details of the pose and expression of a person transferred to the observers the impression that it has certain personality traits, it is possible that people can choose to modify their poses and expressions in order to change the impressions that your image can observers. Have been many times we judge a person, for better or for worse, for ...