Study Suggests Face helps win elections

A study by Princeton University suggests that a 'competent' looking politician wins more elections. The researchers observed the voters snap judgments about the candidates to determine their competence. The results predicted the outcomes of US congressional races 70% of the time.

National Geographic
The voters were told nothing about the candidates, who were running for seats in both the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives.

Researchers tested voters' snap judgments about the political candidates. Attractiveness, honesty, and like ability were just some of the traits measured, but the one that stood out for voters was a candidate's competence.

Voters' competence ratings were based solely on the appearance of a candidate's face and predicted the outcomes in U.S. congressional races over five election seasons at a rate of nearly 70 percent

Very interesting article. But does this mean that Bush looks more competent than Kerry. I think now that the candidates face shouldn't be seen until after an election. That way people aren't influenced by their subconscious decisions.

This may be true...but most Americans have thier mind made up years in advance. Even before the candidates are announced.

It's called Democrat and Republican.

Most people vote for "thier party"


[edit on 12/6/2005 by SportyMB]