Event Title
Extrinsic Contingency Focus and Helping Behavior: An Exercise on the Influence of Attractiveness Priming
Presentation Type
Poster/Portfolio
Presenter Major(s)
Psychology, Criminal Justice
Mentor Information
Todd Williams, willitod@gvsu.edu
Department
Psychology
Location
Henry Hall Atrium 22
Start Date
13-4-2011 12:00 PM
End Date
13-4-2011 1:00 PM
Abstract
Previous research has found that the attractiveness is related to the extent that individuals are willing to help people in need (Williams, Schimel, Hayes & Martens, 2009). The following research exercise was conducted to examine the extent that extrinsic contingency focus (ECF) moderated this relationship. In light of past research where ECF has been found to be related to the extent that individuals place importance on appearance and other image related qualities (Williams et al. 2010), we predicted that high (vs. low) ECF individuals would show greater bias in helping attractive (vs. average) individuals than their low ECF counterparts. To test this hypothesis we conducted a field exercise where high and low ECF individuals were provided with an opportunity to help either highly attractive or average looking individuals. Results supported our predictions, but must be interpreted with caution due to an insufficient sample size and a lack of experimental control.
Extrinsic Contingency Focus and Helping Behavior: An Exercise on the Influence of Attractiveness Priming
Henry Hall Atrium 22
Previous research has found that the attractiveness is related to the extent that individuals are willing to help people in need (Williams, Schimel, Hayes & Martens, 2009). The following research exercise was conducted to examine the extent that extrinsic contingency focus (ECF) moderated this relationship. In light of past research where ECF has been found to be related to the extent that individuals place importance on appearance and other image related qualities (Williams et al. 2010), we predicted that high (vs. low) ECF individuals would show greater bias in helping attractive (vs. average) individuals than their low ECF counterparts. To test this hypothesis we conducted a field exercise where high and low ECF individuals were provided with an opportunity to help either highly attractive or average looking individuals. Results supported our predictions, but must be interpreted with caution due to an insufficient sample size and a lack of experimental control.