Date of Completion
5-2005
Degree Type
Honors Thesis - Campus Access
Discipline
Psychology (PSYC)
First Advisor
Patricia Walsh
Abstract
This study re-evaluates the current findings of how we judge attractiveness. Previous research suggests two opposing theories, assimilation and contrast. Assimilation moves the ratings of an average attractive person towards the rating of person they are associated with. Thus a target person would be rated higher when associated with a person of high attractiveness than of low attractiveness. Contrast moves the ratings of an average attractive person away from the rating of the person they are compared with. Thus a target person would be rated lower when compared to a person of high attractiveness than when compared to a person of low attractiveness.
However, research has only focused on comparison of the same gender. The current study looked to reaffirm or re-evaluate previous research on attractiveness ratings, as well as determine if association and contrast effects are present when an average target female is paired with unattractive and attractive males.
Recommended Citation
Korte, Christopher M., "Contrast and Assimilation Effects In Perceived Physical Attractiveness" (2005). Honors Thesis. 262.
https://digitalcommons.lmu.edu/honors-thesis/262
