Roles
Sarah G. Dionne: Class of 2007
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2009
Department 1
Psychology
Abstract
Grounded theory proposes that abstract concepts (e.g., power) are represented by perceptions of vertical space (e.g., up is powerful; down is powerless). We used this theory to examine predictions made by evolutionary psychologists who suggest that desirable males are those who have status and resources (i.e., powerful) while desirable females are those who are youthful and faithful (i.e., powerless). Using vertical position as an implicit cue for power, we found that male participants rated pictures of females as more attractive when their images were presented near the bottom of a computer screen, whereas female participants rated pictures of males as more attractive when their images were presented near the top of a computer screen. Our results support the evolutionary theory of attraction and reveal the social-judgment consequences of grounded theories of cognition.
Copyright Note
This is the publisher's version of the work. This publication appears in Gettysburg College's institutional repository by permission of the copyright owner for personal use, not for redistribution.
DOI
10.1521/soco.2009.27.6.883
Recommended Citation
Meier, Brian P. and Sarah Dionne. "Downright Sexy: Verticality, Implicit Power, and Perceived Physical Attractiveness." Social Cognition 27.6 (2009), 883-892.
Required Publisher's Statement
Original version is available from the publisher at: http://guilfordjournals.com/loi/soco
Comments
This article is based upon the honors thesis research of Sarah Dionne while at Gettysburg College.