Men's ratings of physical attractiveness, health, and partner suitability simultaneously versus separately: Does it matter whether within- or between-subjects designs are used?
Previous studies have documented moderate-to-large associations between ratings of physical attractiveness and other interpersonal traits, but this research has invariably relied on within-subjects designs that leave open the possibility of halo effects or response biases. In the present study, 40 men completed the Photographic Figure Rating Scale in a within-subjects design, rating the figures for physical attractiveness, health, and suitability as a long-term partner. In addition, 108 men completed the same scale in a between-subjects design, being randomly allocated to one of three subgroups where they rated the figures for attractiveness, health, or suitability as a long-term partner. Results indicated no significant differences in ratings for the within-subjects participants. In contrast, there were significant differences in ratings for the between-subjects design. These results highlight the importance of considering halo and response bias effects when designing studies of interpersonal judgements and interpreting their results.
Swami
Viren
V
Department of Psychology, University of Westminster, 309 Regent Street, London, UK. v.swami@wmin.ac.uk
Hull
Charlotte
C
D000328:Adult; D001504:Beauty; D001828:Body Image; D001835:Body Weight; D015987:Effect Modifier, Epidemiologic; D018451:Homosexuality, Male; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007600:Judgment; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D012649:Self Concept; D012747:Sexual Partners / Q000523:psychology*