If looks could kill, so to speak
Back in August, when I wrote about the chap who went on a killing spree in a women’s gym in Pennsylvania after whining about his lack of success with the ladies — his whining, not mine — several women pointed out that he most likely gave off a creepy vibe long before he hit upon his Final Solution.
But what are the chances that someone who looks pretty creepy actually is? Perhaps better than we think [redirects to PDF file]:
Despite the crucial role of physical appearance in forming first impressions, little research has examined the accuracy of personality impressions based on appearance alone. This study examined the accuracy of observers’ impressions on 10 personality traits based on full-body photographs using criterion measures based on self and peer reports. When targets’ posture and expression were constrained (standardized condition), observers’ judgments were accurate for extraversion, self-esteem, and religiosity. When targets were photographed with a spontaneous pose and facial expression (spontaneous condition), observers’ judgments were accurate for almost all of the traits examined. Lens model analyses demonstrated that both static cues (e.g., clothing style) and dynamic cues (e.g., facial expression, posture) offered valuable personality-relevant information. These results suggest that personality is manifested through both static and expressive channels of appearance, and observers use this information to form accurate judgments for a variety of traits.
Or, as Fausta notes: “In plain English, if someone looks creepy, odds are they are.”
I have got to find myself a cloaking device.
Laura »
22 December 2009 · 11:39 am
“I have got to find myself a cloaking device.” Made me laugh out loud that sure did.
Brian J. »
23 December 2009 · 3:26 pm
What’s wrong with creepy?
CGHill »
23 December 2009 · 3:29 pm
Apparently nothing, if Harry Reid still walks the Earth.