PSYC FPX 3520 Assessment 3 Thinking, Feeling, and Believing

Student Name

Capella University

PSYC FPX 3520 Introduction to Social Psychology

Prof. Name:

Date

Case Study 1 – Mark and Joe: Getting Dates for the Party

Mark and Joe are in search of dates for an upcoming party. Mark has already decided to bring a young woman he frequently sees at a local coffee shop. He then encourages Joe to consider a woman he could invite as his date. Mark emphasizes that he has chosen his date based on her attractiveness and perceived intelligence, as she is often seen studying at the coffee shop. Once Joe contemplates who he might bring, he mentions a woman he often encounters at a local bar, selecting her for the same reason as Mark—her physical attractiveness. This case study relates to self-control, as both men recognize their attraction to these women but have not yet taken any steps to pursue them. Their lack of communication with these women has led to a distorted perception based solely on their observations, compounded by the absence of any negative information about either woman. The psychological concept relevant to this case study is the Halo Effect. According to the course textbook, Social Psychology and Human Nature, the Halo Effect occurs when one assumes that if a person possesses one desirable trait, they are likely to possess other positive traits as well (Baumeister & Bushman, 2021).

Research Support

Research Summary

The first article supporting the Halo Effect as a psychological concept is from Psychology of Popular Media Culture. In this article, researchers aim to explore the relationship between attractiveness and likability by analyzing social media indicators such as followers and likes. A study was conducted using “conjoint analysis,” where participants evaluated a series of hypothetical social media user profiles with varying configurations of social media status indicators, including attractiveness and posted selfies (Bradley, S. W., et al., 2019). After assessing each profile, participants rated the perceived likability of the social media user on a 7-point scale. The study’s results indicated that attractiveness interacts with social media status cues, such as likes and followers, in predicting the likability of a social media user (Bradley, S. W., et al., 2019). Additionally, it was found that users who posted more selfies positively influenced the effect of social media status cues on the perceived likability of the user (Bradley, S. W., et al., 2019).

The second article supporting the Halo Effect is from the Journal of Consumer Psychology. This research analyzed how attractiveness can enable manipulation. Two experiments were conducted to assess the extent to which a source’s explicit intent to persuade is affected by their physical attractiveness (Reinhard, M., et al., 2006). In the first study, participants watched an Apple commercial and then answered questions regarding their attitude toward the computer, their intention to purchase it, and their perceptions of the salesperson. The second study involved groups of 4 to 5 participants who viewed a commercial alone on a computer with earphones. Three conditions were observed: in the dislikable salesperson condition, the salesperson boasted about her boyfriend’s expensive new car; in the likable salesperson condition, she discussed her new bicycle; and the control condition involved participants who did not see a commercial. The results from both studies confirmed that likability and attractiveness are closely linked. Whether through physical appeal or positive personality traits, a person’s likability can enhance their persuasiveness.

Research Interpretation

The article from Psychology of Popular Media Culture supports the Halo Effect, indicating that people are generally attracted to physical attractiveness and expect other positive traits from those deemed attractive. Bradley, Roberts, and Bradley demonstrated that attractiveness is not solely based on physical appearance; individuals who may not be considered conventionally attractive but have a large following can also possess a certain magnetism that draws others to them (Bradley, S. W., et al., 2019). This suggests that likability can arise from the attention one receives, which may lead others to find them intriguing or attractive, thereby creating expectations for additional positive traits, such as humor or intelligence.

The article from the Journal of Consumer Psychology also supports the Halo Effect. The study confirmed that attractive individuals are more persuasive than those perceived as unattractive. Although personality traits were not discussed in detail, the findings highlighted the power of likability in manipulation. Reinhard, Messner, and Sporer noted that high attractiveness is often associated with desirable personality characteristics, such as social competence and interpersonal skills (Reinhard, M., et al., 2006). Thus, being both likable and attractive can facilitate one’s ability to motivate or persuade others toward their desired outcomes.

Application of the Halo Effect

The Halo Effect is evident in this case study, as both Joe and Mark made their decisions regarding these women based solely on their physical attractiveness.

Mark and Joe’s Perceptions of the Women

Mark and Joe found both women to be relatively intriguing primarily due to their physical attractiveness. Mark also concluded that the woman he wishes to take on a date is likely highly educated, as she is frequently seen working on her laptop at the coffee shop. This aligns with the theme of expecting more from someone based on their appearance.

Ethical Reasoning Application

Conformity Bias is the ethical concept illustrated in this case study. According to the course textbook, Conformity Bias refers to our inclination to derive cues for appropriate behavior in various contexts from the actions of others, rather than exercising our own independent judgment (Baumeister, R. F., et al., 2021).

Supportive Evidence

Both Mark and Joe have observed the behavior of each woman and have come to accept them as suitable candidates for dating. Mark further asserts that these women should be safe to date since they have not heard any negative remarks about them from others.

Critical Thinking Application

Point of View is the critical thinking issue relevant to this case study. The course textbook defines point of view as the perspective from which one views something, encompassing both what is being observed and how it is perceived (Baumeister, R. F., et al., 2021).

Supportive Evidence

The case study demonstrates the critical thinking concept of Point of View through the perspectives each man has regarding the women. Mark perceives his date as both physically attractive and intelligent based on his observations. In contrast, Joe views his date as interesting and a suitable companion for an outing, also based on his observations. Although their interpretations of each woman could be flawed or inaccurate, both Mark and Joe have chosen to act based on what they have seen.

References

Baumeister, R. F., & Bushman, B. J. (2021). Social psychology and human nature (5th ed.). Cengage.

Bradley, S. W., Roberts, J. A., & Bradley, P. W. (2019). Experimental evidence of observed social media status cues on perceived likability. Psychology of Popular Media Culture, 8(1), 41–51. https://doi.org/10.1037/ppm0000164