Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 28, 2025
09:00
Investigating Pain-Related Avoidance Behavior using a Robotic Arm-Reaching Paradigm
Published on: October 3, 2020
3.9K
First impressions from faces in dynamic approach-avoidance contexts
Iliyana V Trifonova1, Cade McCall1, Matthew C Fysh2
1Department of Psychology, University of York.
Summary
First impressions are influenced by perceived movement. People rate avatars as more dominant when they approach, showing how dynamic social cues update our judgments.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- First impressions are crucial for social interactions.
- Previous research relied on static images, neglecting the impact of movement.
- Understanding how dynamic cues influence social attributions is vital.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the link between perceived motion, apparent intent, and social attributions (dominance, trustworthiness).
- To determine if dynamic social cues update first impressions beyond static judgments.
- To explore how approach and avoidance behaviors influence perceptions of dominance and trustworthiness.
Main Methods:
- Six experiments were conducted using static photos and dynamic avatars.
- Participants rated avatars on dominance and trustworthiness based on their movement and apparent intent.
- Movement conditions included approaching, avoiding, stationary, and backward motion.
Main Results:
- Judgments of photos and avatars showed strong correspondence.
- Avatars were perceived as more dominant and trustworthy when approaching the viewer.
- Movement increased trustworthiness, while approach increased dominance, regardless of agency.
Conclusions:
- First impressions are dynamically updated by perceived motion and intent.
- Dominance judgments are closely linked to approach behaviors.
- Social attributions depend on the immediate dynamic context more subtly than previously thought.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:14Frustration and Conflict: Avoidance-Avoidance, Double-Approach Avoidance
77
Avoidance-avoidance conflict refers to a psychological situation where a person must choose between two or more unpleasant alternatives. These conflicts are particularly stressful because neither option is desirable. This dilemma is often expressed in sayings like "caught between a rock and a hard place" or "between the devil and the deep blue sea." For instance, individuals who fear dental procedures may find themselves torn between enduring a painful toothache or facing the...
77
01:20Frustration and Conflict: Approach-Approach, Approach-Avoidance
60
Frustration occurs when people are obstructed or prevented from achieving a desired goal or fulfilling a perceived need. For example, when someone's input is ignored in a discussion, it can lead to feelings of frustration. Conflict, however, arises from opposing interests, goals, or actions. Conflicts can take various forms based on the nature of these opposing desires or goals.
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable...
One common type of conflict is the Approach–Approach Conflict. In this case, a person faces two desirable...
60
01:24Facial Feedback Hypothesis
150
Charles Darwin proposed that facial expressions are an evolutionary adaptation for communication. He argued that these expressions are not influenced by culture but are universal across species. For example, a snarling expression with exposed teeth signals a threat in many animals, including humans. Darwin also suggested that displaying an emotion can intensify the feeling. Smiling, for example, could enhance one's sense of happiness. This idea laid the foundation for understanding the role...
150
01:14Avoidance Learning and Learned Helplessness
1.7K
Avoidance learning and learned helplessness are critical concepts in understanding behavioral responses to negative stimuli.
Avoidance learning occurs when an organism learns that a specific behavior can prevent an unpleasant outcome. For example, a student who receives a bad grade may start studying harder to avoid future poor grades. This behavior persists even when the negative outcome is no longer present. Avoidance learning is powerful because it maintains behavior in the absence of the...
Avoidance learning occurs when an organism learns that a specific behavior can prevent an unpleasant outcome. For example, a student who receives a bad grade may start studying harder to avoid future poor grades. This behavior persists even when the negative outcome is no longer present. Avoidance learning is powerful because it maintains behavior in the absence of the...
1.7K
01:14Fundamental Attribution Error
12.9K
According to some social psychologists, people tend to overemphasize internal factors as explanations—or attributions—for the behavior of other people. They tend to assume that the behavior of another person is a trait of that person, and to underestimate the power of the situation on the behavior of others. They tend to fail to recognize when the behavior of another is due to situational variables, and thus to the person’s state. This erroneous assumption is...
12.9K
03:00Self-Evaluation: Self-Enhancement and Self-Verification
5.2K
Social psychologists have documented that feeling good about ourselves and maintaining positive self-esteem is a powerful motivator of human behavior (Tavris & Aronson, 2008). In the United States, members of the predominant culture typically think very highly of themselves and view themselves as good people who are above average on many desirable traits (Ehrlinger, Gilovich, & Ross, 2005). Often, our behavior, attitudes, and beliefs are affected when we experience a threat to our...
5.2K