Graduation Semester and Year

2023

Language

English

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Psychology

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Jared B Kenworthy

Abstract

Research on attractiveness suggests that more attractive individuals are assumed to have superiority on several traits, such as happiness and extraversion. This is termed the halo effect. Additionally, within the diversity literature, although inconsistent, there is evidence supporting the importance of diversity within a team to promote better group performance and to foster creativity and innovation. This study examined, for the first time, whether the physical attractiveness halo effect applies to groups. Particularly, overall group attractiveness, group diversity, and their interactive influence on perceived group creative performance were examined. This experiment manipulated both the attractiveness and the diversity of the groups to be rated, and although the attractiveness hypotheses were not supported, findings suggest those with negative attitudes toward diverse groups perceive homogenous groups to work better together, be more cohesive, and cooperative when compared to diverse groups.

Keywords

Attractiveness, Group performance, Halo effect, Diversity

Disciplines

Psychology | Social and Behavioral Sciences

Comments

Degree granted by The University of Texas at Arlington

31247-2.zip (10251 kB)

Included in

Psychology Commons

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