Theory and Research on Impression Formation

Why do job candidate wear a suit for a job interview? Why do defense attorneys have their clients dress neatly and get a haircut before they are seen before a Jury? First impressions are considered to be essential. Many crucial decisions involve forming impressions about another person. Decisions about the ability of prospective job candidates, judgments about the suitability of expert financial advisors, and even choices between alternate dating partners all involve processing information about other people. Whether we are meeting our possible love interest or our new boss for the first time, the first impression created by them will probably determine our likelihood of getting the job that we hope for or the relationship we are seeking. When you meet a customer for the first time, or during the first moments of a presentation, the impression they form will form their perception of any additional information. It is very customary to hear people talk about the importance of giving a good first impression. Schneider, Hastorf, and Ellsworth in their research suggest that one of the first judgments people make about a person is whether they like the person or not, and that judgments based on physical attractiveness are immediate. The very first moment in which we meet someone, if they make a good first impression in that moment, you will tend to reject any negative attributes shown later in the person. However, if someone were to make a bad first impression, you will have a hard time making a positive influence later on. In summary, forming an overall picture of what other people are like is fundamental to many decisions in our daily life.

Theory and research on impression formation goes back to the revolutionary work of Solo...

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