Effects of symmetry and familiarity on the attractiveness of human faces
The effects of both symmetry (perceptual factor) and familiarity (cognitive factor) on facial attractiveness were investigated. From the photographs of original slightly asymmetric faces, symmetric left-left (LL) and right-right (RR) versions were generated. Familiarity was induced in the l...
| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
Drustvo Psihologa Srbije
2016-01-01
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| Series: | Psihologija |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://www.doiserbia.nb.rs/img/doi/0048-5705/2016/0048-57051603301M.pdf |
| Summary: | The effects of both symmetry (perceptual factor) and familiarity (cognitive
factor) on facial attractiveness were investigated. From the photographs of
original slightly asymmetric faces, symmetric left-left (LL) and right-right
(RR) versions were generated. Familiarity was induced in the learning block
using the repetitive presentation of original faces. In the test block
participants rated the attractiveness of original, previously seen (familiar)
faces, original, not previously seen faces, and both LL and RR versions of
all faces. The analysis of variance showed main effects of symmetry. Post hoc
tests revealed that asymmetric original faces were rated as more attractive
than both LL and RR symmetric versions. Familiarity doesn’t have a
significant main effect, but the symmetry-familiarity interaction was
obtained. Additional post hoc tests indicated that facial attractiveness is
positively associated with natural slight asymmetry rather than with perfect
symmetry. Also, unfamiliar LL symmetric versions were rated as more
attractive than familiar LL versions, whereas familiar RR versions were rated
as more attractive than RR unfamiliar faces. These results suggested that
symmetry (perceptual factor) and familiarity (cognitive or memorial factor)
play differential roles in facial attractiveness, and indicate a relatively
stronger effect of the perceptual compared to the cognitive factor. [Projekat
Ministarstva nauke Republike Srbije, br. ON179018 i br. ON179033] |
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| ISSN: | 0048-5705 1451-9283 |