Halo Effect?

 

What Is the Halo Effect?

 

The halo effect is a type of cognitive bias in which our overall impression of a person influences how we feel and think about their character. Essentially, your overall impression of a person ("He is nice!") impacts your evaluations of that person's specific traits ("He is also smart!"). Perceptions of a single trait can carry over to how people perceive other aspects of that person.

One great example of the halo effect in action is our overall impression of celebrities. People perceive them as attractive, successful, and often likable, so people also tend to see them as intelligent, kind, and funny.

The halo effect is also sometimes referred to as the "physical attractiveness stereotype" and the "what is beautiful is also good" principle.

"Physical appearance is often a major part of the halo effect. People who are considered attractive tend to be rated higher on other positive traits as well."

 

However, this effect doesn't just affect our perceptions of people based on their attractiveness. It can also encompass other traits as well. People who are sociable or kind, for example, may also be seen as more likable and intelligent. The halo effect makes it so that perceptions of one quality lead to biased judgments of other qualities.

The term itself uses the analogy of a halo to describe how it can affect perceptions.

When you see someone through the lens of the halo effect, you are seeing them cast in a similar light. That "halo" created by your perception of one characteristic covers them in the same way. 

Impact of the Halo Effect

In the Workplace

There are a number of ways that the halo effect can influence perceptions of others in work settings. For example, experts suggest that the halo effect is one of the most common biases affecting performance appraisals and reviews. Supervisors may rate subordinates based on the perception of a single characteristic rather than the whole of their performance and contribution. For example, a worker's enthusiasm or positive attitude may overshadow their lack of knowledge or skill, causing co-workers to rate them more highly than their actual performance justifies.

The halo effect can also have an impact on income. A study published in the Journal of Economic Psychology found that, on average, attractive food servers earned approximately $1,200 more per year in tips than their unattractive counterparts.

Another study found that physical attractiveness has a positive effect not only on a person's self-confidence but also on their overall income and financial well-being

** Job applicants are also likely to feel the impact of the halo effect. If a prospective employer views the applicant as attractive or likable, they are more likely to also rate the individual as intelligent, competent, and qualified.

 

By Kendra Cherry, MSEd