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Using composite images to assess accuracy in personality attribution to faces

  1. Anthony C. Little1,*,
  2. David I. Perrett2

Article first published online: 24 DEC 2010

DOI: 10.1348/000712606X109648

Issue

British Journal of Psychology

British Journal of Psychology

Volume 98, Issue 1, pages 111–126, February 2007

Additional Information

How to Cite

Little, A. C. and Perrett, D. I. (2007), Using composite images to assess accuracy in personality attribution to faces. British Journal of Psychology, 98: 111–126. doi: 10.1348/000712606X109648

Author Information

  1. 1

    School of Biological Sciences, University of Liverpool, UK

  2. 2

    School of Psychology, University of St Andrews, Scotland, UK

* Correspondence should be addressed to Anthony C. Little, School of Psychology, University of Stirling, Stirling FK9 4LA, UK (e-mail: anthony.little@stir.ac.uk).

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 24 DEC 2010
  2. Article first published online: 24 DEC 2010
  3. Received 15 August 2005; revised version received 6 March 2006

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Several studies have demonstrated some accuracy in personality attribution using only visual appearance. Using composite images of those scoring high and low on a particular trait, the current study shows that judges perform better than chance in guessing others' personality, particularly for the traits conscientiousness and extraversion. This study also shows that attractiveness, masculinity and age may all provide cues to assess personality accurately and that accuracy is affected by the sex of both of those judging and being judged. Individuals do perform better than chance at guessing another's personality from only facial information, providing some support for the popular belief that it is possible to assess accurately personality from faces.

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