This video segment explores how physical appearance affects our evaluations of other people. Peter is a divorced, 37-year-old political science lecturer. He describes himself as short, skinny, and not very good looking.
Video
Observers are asked to assess Peter as he stands behind a store window on a busy city street. He is dressed casually in jeans and a t-shirt. Females think that Peter holds a low-status job with a low income and they overestimate his age. Most observers perceive him as unattractive. Past research indicates that women are attracted to men who can provide resources. When asked, however, women tell investigators that money is not one of their priorities. In fact, women in this clip specifically state that they are not attracted to men who are status-driven or money-oriented. The next day, researchers give Peter a more affluent look. He wears a suit coat, white shirt, and sunglasses. This time, female observers' judgments are quite different. One observer even sees him as “sexy.” He is thought to have higher-status employment accompanied by a higher income. Most importantly, Peter is perceived as significantly more attractive. Obviously, physical appearance, which includes clothes, impacts our social judgments.