title: Effects of Instructor Attractiveness on Learning.
abstract: Although a considerable body of research has examined the impact of student attractiveness on instructors, little attention has been given to the influence of instructor attractiveness on students. This study tested the hypothesis that persons would perform significantly better on a learning task when they perceived their instructor to be high in physical attractiveness. To test the hypothesis, participants listened to an audio lecture while viewing a photograph of instructor. The photograph depicted either a physically attractive instructor or a less attractive instructor. Following the lecture, participants completed a forced choice recognition task covering material from the lecture. Consistent with the predictions; attractive instructors were associated with more learning. Finally, we replicated previous findings demonstrating the role attractiveness plays in person perception.
authors.affiliation: a University of Nevada.
authors.forename: Richard
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Westfall
authors.affiliation: a University of Nevada.
authors.forename: Murray
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Millar
authors.affiliation: a University of Nevada.
authors.forename: Mandy
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Walsh
mesh_terms: D000124:Achievement; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001288:Attention; D001504:Beauty; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007600:Judgment; D007858:Learning; D008297:Male; D000067029:Physical Appearance, Body; D011361:Professional Competence; D011584:Psychology / Q000193:education*; D013336:Students, Health Occupations / Q000523:psychology*; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: Attribution theory; learning; skill acquisition