Cognitive Approach to Explain Attraction

Halo Effect

• Definition: A cognitive bias where perception of positive traits influences overall impression.

  • Attractive individuals often assumed to have desirable qualities (intelligence, kindness, success).
  • Leads to attractiveness stereotype and impacts romantic relationships by overlooking potential flaws.

• System 1 and System 2 Thinking:

  • Halo effect linked to System 1 thinking (initial impressions from appearance).
  • Biases overshadow objective assessments typically handled by System 2.

Study 1: Dion et al. (1972)

• Aim: Investigate role of halo effect in choosing a romantic partner.
• Sample: 30 males and 30 females, American university students.
• Procedure:
  • Participants given photos of individuals with varying attractiveness.
  • Rated on 27 personality traits and predicted happiness and success.
• Findings: Attractive individuals deemed happier, more successful, with positive traits.
• Conclusion: Attractiveness generalised to other life aspects, influencing relationship formation.

Study Evaluation

• Highlights influence of cognitive biases in attraction.
• Narrow focus on attractiveness limits understanding of relationship complexities (e.g., emotional compatibility, shared values).
• Controlled design shows clear halo effect but lacks real-life complexity (low ecological validity).
• Limited generalizability due to sample demographics.

Study 2: Asch et al. (1946)

• Aim: Investigate how perceptions of specific traits influence overall impressions.
• Procedure:
  • Participants rated individuals from attractive/unattractive photos.
  • Assigned positive traits to attractive images.
• Findings: Halo effect evident; attractive images rated more positively.
• Conclusion: Initial perception generalised to personality traits.

Study Evaluation

• Explores cognitive biases in forming judgments based on initial impressions.
• Simple experimental design highlights halo effect but lacks real-world application.
• Subjective ratings introduce variability and potential biases.

Theory Evaluation

• Reliance on attractiveness for personality assessment introduces biases.
• Halo effect may foster unrealistic relationship expectations.
• Suggests cognitive distortions in perceptions and compatibility judgments, affecting relationship formation and longevity.