Lecture on The Halo Effect and The Devil Effect

Introduction

• Discusses the concept of perception bias using an example of a student who is perceived as "can do no wrong."
• Uses a graph to explain perception bias.

Graph Explanation

• Vertical Axis: Rating of an individual (very good at the top, very poor at the bottom, midline is average).
• Horizontal Axis: Different skills.

Case Study: Jim

Average Impression of Jim

• Overall impression: Average
• Skills: Accounting: Pretty good
• Skills: Sales: Not good
• Skills: Leadership: Moderately good
• Summary: Different skills vary but overall average impression.

Brilliant First Impression of Jim

• Overall impression: Excellent
• Skills: Accounting: Perceived as extraordinary
• Skills: Sales: Perceived as good
• Skills: Leadership: Perceived as extraordinary
• Summary: Good overall impression boosts perceived skill levels.

The Halo Effect

• Definition: When an overall positive perception of an individual boosts the perception of other traits or skills.
• Example: Celebrities and attractiveness
  • Attractiveness can lead to positive assumptions about kindness, leadership, hospitality, etc.

The Devil Effect (Reverse Halo Effect)

• Definition: When an overall negative perception of an individual reduces the perception of other traits or skills.
• Example using the same individual, Jim:
  • Skills: Accounting: Perceived as mediocre
  • Skills: Sales: Perceived as awful
  • Skills: Leadership: Perceived as poor
• Summary: Poor overall impression reduces perceived skill levels.

Conclusion

• Perceived biases like The Halo Effect and The Devil Effect significantly impact how we rate individuals.
• Example: "The kid in class that could do no wrong" might be experiencing The Halo Effect, while "the kid who could do no right" might be experiencing The Devil Effect.