A Level Psychology OCR Practice Exam

What was found to be a predictor of guilt according to Dixon et al's study?

1. Attractiveness

2. Education level

3. Income

4. Age

The correct answer is: Attractiveness

In Dixon et al's study, attractiveness was identified as a significant predictor of guilt. This finding suggests that the physical appearance of a person can influence how they are perceived in a legal context, potentially affecting juror's decisions and the overall assessment of guilt or innocence. The study implies that individuals who are deemed more attractive may be viewed more favorably, which can lead to biases in their treatment within the legal system. This aligns with the concept of the "halo effect," where positive traits are attributed to someone based solely on an appealing characteristic, such as attractiveness. The other factors—education level, income, and age—did not demonstrate the same level of influence on perceptions of guilt in the context of this study. These variables might relate to other aspects of social perception but did not emerge as significant predictors in the findings outlined by Dixon et al. This indicates the potent impact of attractiveness on the judgments made in legal settings, reinforcing the necessity of awareness regarding biases in judicial processes.