The Halo Effect Experiment is the idea that an impression formed from a single trait or characteristic is able to influence multiple judgements or ratings of unrelated factors. One experiment was to see the way students made judgements about a person that was giving them a lecture. A group of students were divided into two groups and watched two different videos of the same lecturer, with a Belgian accent. One lecture answered questions in a friendly manner, while the other answered questions in a cold manner. After, the students were instructed to rate the lecturer on physical appearance, mannerisms, and his accent. Of course, the students that experienced the friendly lecturer rated him more attractive, his mannerisms more like-able, and is accent more appealing. This experiment proves that the Halo Effect is valid.
We experience similar situations today. When we have female teachers that are young and attractive, we perceive them as less strict and overall better. We put this thought into our minds before we even have a conversation with them.
Similarly, before we even get to know an actor or actress, if they are young and attractive, we put this thought into our head that they are more friendly and have better judgement.
In conclusion, most of the time we don't realize we are using this Halo Effect. We immediately come up with assumptions about other people, without even trying. Not only with people, but with clothing, beauty products, etc. Having these thoughts is not necessarily a bad thing, but we should be aware of it.https://www.spring.org.uk/2007/10/halo-effect-when-your-own-mind-is.php
this experiment can say a lot for someone who is trying to get into acting.
ReplyDeleteThis is a very interesting experiment that I didnt know about.
ReplyDeleteInteresting point about psychology! I wonder if this also has to do with the fact that we see professors and celebrities as authority figures and role models. Even Machiavelli said it is better to be feared and loved, probably because being liked by others will also give them a better perception of you and make them more likely to listen when combined with fear.
ReplyDeleteThe Halo Effect can also be seen with OJ Simpson, his charisma and charms lead him to be revered by many in his community, like the black high school football player he gave a shout out to during one of his speaker presentations. People allowed him to get away with cheating at golf as well. Because he was so well liked and seen as such a hero, he was able to get away more easily from the horrible things he did, like hitting his wife and escaping arrest.
This is a very interesting study I haven't heard about until now. It is very clear that people associate kindness and other positive traits with positive judgements but this can also be manipulative. For instance, O.J. Simpson had done many questionable things but people had already created such a vibrant image of him that it made believing the things he did very difficult.
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