Character Perception of Women The Role of Stature, Somatotype, and Perceived Height

Date of Award

2006

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Bachelors

Department

Social Sciences

First Advisor

Ryan, Kimberly

Keywords

Stature, Body Height, Somatotype, Character Perception, Stereotype

Area of Concentration

Psychology

Abstract

The present investigation analyzed how somatotype, stature, and the interaction of these two variables influenced the perception of Butler's (1997) Six Global Dimensions of Physique-Stereotyping as well as perceived power, dominance and aggression. The current study also replicated Chu and Geary's (2005) work on physical stature and the character perception in women, using an American sample. The role of participants' perceived height was also explored. An online questionnaire was used in which digitally altered images were presented such that the targets height and somatotype fluctuated across condition. The participants were asked to rate the images on personality qualities and characteristics. Although our findings differed somewhat from Chu and Geary's (2005) results, it was nevertheless shown that physical stature does influence the character perception of women. Also, the present investigation generally confirmed and expanded previous work regarding the mesomorph, ectomorph, and endomorph stereotypes. Perceived height did not playa significant role in character perception. Lastly, when somatotype and stature are combined as influential variables, stature appears to be relegated to secondary importance.

Rights

This bibliographic record is available under the Creative Commons CC0 public domain dedication. The New College of Florida, as creator of this bibliographic record, has waived all rights to it worldwide under copyright law, including all related and neighboring rights, to the extent allowed by law.

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