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Published on: November 30, 2018
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Contextual modulation of appearance-trait learning
Harriet Over1, Ruth Lee1, Jonathan Flavell1
1Department of Psychology, University of York, York, UK.
Cognition
|September 27, 2022
Summary
First impressions form through learned associations between facial appearance and traits. These initial learning effects are robust and context-dependent, influencing future judgments.
Area of Science:
- Cognitive Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- First impressions are spontaneously formed based on facial appearance.
- Learning plays a critical role in shaping these initial judgments.
- The Trait Inference Mapping (TIM) model proposes associative learning underlies face-trait associations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of early learned face-trait associations.
- To examine the generalizability and unlearning of appearance-trait connections.
- To overcome the challenge of pre-existing face experience in studying de novo learning.
Main Methods:
- Utilized Greebles (novel synthetic objects) as a face proxy to ensure no prior knowledge.
- Adapted classic AB-A and AB-C renewal paradigms.
- Conducted four experiments with 640 adult participants.
Main Results:
- Appearance-trait associations demonstrate contextual control.
- Learned associations proved resistant to counter-stereotypical experiences.
- Early learned associations were more influential and harder to modify.
Conclusions:
- The study provides empirical support for the TIM model's predictions.
- Context plays a significant role in the expression of learned face-trait associations.
- Initial learning experiences strongly influence subsequent social perception and judgment.
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