Traits Attributed to over- and Underchosen Women

Abstract

Sociometric studies have investigated differences between popular and unpopular persons with observations being taken over a long period of time. The present study determined whether strangers could detect differences between these two groups after just a few minutes of observation. 12 over- and 13 underchosen females from a college dormitory were videotaped as each interacted with a confederate. The videotapes were shown to judges who indicated which of 555 personality traits described each woman. Judges also rated their liking for each woman. Mean liking for the overchosen was significantly greater than mean liking for the underchosen. The overchosen were more likely to be described with traits indicative of extraversion, sociability, and positive emotionality. The underchosen were more likely to be described with traits indicative of introversion and negative emotionality: unhappiness, moodiness, and depression. Trait descriptions were generally positive for all of the overchosen and approximately half of the underchosen.