Halo Effect - the Psychological Phenomenon

Halo Effect the Psychological Phenomenon

Baltimore City Community College

Professor Kai Kai

Spring 2012 Index 1319

Abstract

For my research paper, I decided to look further into the halo effect. Halo Effect is a phenomenon where people judge the general personality of a person based on the perception of one salient characteristic (Fredrick L. Wells 1907). My main reason for choosing this topic was the fact that many of us experience this on a day-to-day basis. Many of us are guilty of practicing halo effect subconsciously every day. I know I am. Through my research I found many different believes, ideas, and opinions on the halo effect. Most of the controversy surrounding this psychological phenomenon is actually about who actually first observed it. Many believe Fredrick Lyman Wells first observed the halo effect in 1907. Then there are some who believe that E.L. Thorndikes actually first observed it during his research for his "A Constant Error on Psychological Ratings" paper.

Have you ever wondered how a manager could know if he wants you to be on his staff within a five to ten minute period? Well many believe it is all thanks to the Halo Effect, a psychological phenomenon where people make a decision on your whole life based on only one of your characteristics. That really sucks if you are having an off day. I believe this phenomenon to be more relevant than many believe. How many times have you walked past the cute person on campus and think wow he is attractive so he must be smart, drive a nice car, and live in a nice house. Well if you are like me that happen way too often but unbeknown to most people that are the halo effect at it's finest. Because the person was attractive, you judged him on that one characteristic and thought well he must have an attractive life as well and many times that is not the case. Throughout this paper, I am going to go into detail about what I have through my research of the halo effect.

Now that we have an understanding of how the halo effect works let's move on to psychological side of things. (1) According to the Gale Encyclopedia of Psychology 2nd edition (2001) "the halo effect is most apparent in situations where one person is responsible for the evaluation of another" i.e. a job or school interview. If you were ever an interviewer I am sure you can relate to that statement. If the interviewee says that they have been previously incarcerated you would feel as if that person could not be trusted, and that may be the farthest thing from the truth. However, because of the halo effect you have already subconsciously painted this evil picture