The effects of body characteristics on perceived competence

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of different body characteristics on perceived competence; specifically, height, weight, and physical appearance. Participants were asked to login to their online school accounts and were then directed to a specific survey. All surveys consisted of the same questions, but included a different photograph. Participants then listened to a pre-recorded speech after being told that the individual in the photograph was the individual giving the speech. All surveys asked participants to rate judgments of height, weight, and physical appearance, compared to the average American. The speech provided the basis for the competence and credibility ratings. The data was analyzed using an ANOVA. The original results produced no significant results, but based on the post hoc tests, all three hypotheses were generally supported. These findings suggest that height, weight, and appearance have an effect on judgments of perceived competence.

Grantor dc:publisher

University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

Author dc:creator

• Kneip, Courtney Michelle

Contributors dc:contributor

• Weathington, Bart L.
• O'Leary, Brian J.; Biderman, Michael D.
• College of Arts and Sciences

• Prejudices

Licence

• https://rightsstatements.org/page/InC/1.0/?language=en

Language dc:language

English, eng

Repository record dc:identifier

https://scholar.utc.edu/theses/42

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:scholar.utc.edu:theses-1041