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6 - Accuracy of perceiving social attributes

from Part I - Domains of accurate interpersonal perception

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 April 2016

Judith A. Hall
Affiliation:
Northeastern University, Boston
Marianne Schmid Mast
Affiliation:
Université de Lausanne, Switzerland
Tessa V. West
Affiliation:
New York University
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Summary

Abstract

A wealth of research shows that people can achieve accurate interpersonal judgments of others based on brief observations of their nonverbal cues. Here, we review evidence demonstrating that people can accurately judge others’ kinship, sexual orientation, religious identity, political ideology, and professional success from subtle cues in their physical appearance and expressive behavior. Following this discussion, we detail some of the major factors that can influence the accuracy of these judgments. Finally, we end by reflecting on what this research has elucidated about basic processes in person perception and nonverbal behavior more generally.

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Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Print publication year: 2016

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