How Does Our Appearance Impact How People Respond to Us?

How does our appearance impact how people respond to us?

Final Research Paper

Sarah Mannella

Psychology 1030

Professor Megan Bennett

Abstract

This study examined reactions to people based on their appearance. A group of eight girls and boys participated by dressing up differently for three consecutive days, and visiting three different places: a grocery store, a restaurant, and a jewelry shop. We predicted that the boys dressed in suits would always be approached first, and the boys in ripped clothes would be somewhat ignored, or not given full attention. The same went for the girls who participated. We predicted that the ones who wore dresses and high heels would get full attention, while the girls dressed in ragged shirts and black clothes would be somewhat blown off by the workers. However, we discovered by using personas that not all people judge others by what they look like.

Many factors in today’s society lead to what people may think about others, but appearance seems to be the main one. Appearances lead to first impressions, and first impressions are supposed to be “everything” to people. A first impression is the first idea that someone gets about another person by the way they look, or how they act when they first meet them. For example, if a man is dressed in a suit and tie, one may believe that he is a successful business man. However, if the man was wearing a ripped tee shirt with faded jeans, he or she may believe otherwise. If a woman is dressed wearing a nice dress with a high heels, people may believe that she is elegant and classy, while women wearing ragged shorts and faded shirts may be looked at as sloppy, or messy. People use appearance constantly to draw conclusions about other people, and they are not always accurate. A study has shown that a teacher assumed her students’ academic abilities by what they would wear to school. (Study: The Effect of Appearance on First Impressions.) Personal appearance is a message that is sent out each day, and it instantly shows something about us to others. The “look” that someone gives themselves before leaving the house, such as the clothes and make-up they wear, defines what he or she says about themselves. The goal for this study was to find out how people react to different kinds of appearances.

Method

Participants: Participants included four college girls, and four college boys, each twenty one years old. There were originally twelve people, but four of them did not want to dress up. Therefore, they were excluded from the study.

Materials:  The materials used for my study will consist of different outfits and make-up. One girl will be wearing tights, a formal dress, and have her hair and make-up completely done. Another girl will be in all black clothing, be wearing dark black make-up, and will have dark hair. The next girl will be wearing saggy pants, a loose shirt, a sideways hat, and chains. The final girl will be wearing a neon colored dress, bright high heels, lime green tights, and glowing blue and orange eye shadow. She will also have blue spray paint in her hair. The boys involved will be wearing the same kind of outfit schemes. The first will be wearing a suit and tie, and his hair will be slicked back and styled. The second boy will wear all black, and have black eyeliner under his eyes. The third boy will wear saggy clothes, a sideways hat, and earrings. The final boy will be dressed in a tie dye shirt, bright yellow skinny jeans, neon colored shoes, and his hair will be worn in a Mohawk with blue and yellow spray paint in it.