The Effect of a Pratfall on Increasing Interpersonal Attractiveness
Aronson, Willerman & Floyd (1966) · Psychonomic Science, 4(6)
We use this paper in 4 places in the academy · 2 stated limits
What other researchers dispute
People quote the pratfall effect as if a clumsy mistake makes anyone more likeable. In the original study, the mistake helped a person who was already very capable, and it harmed an average person. The experiment was small and all the participants were men. Later studies that repeated it got mixed results.
What the study found
A competent person who spilled a cup of coffee was rated as more attractive than the same person without the spill. The same spill made a mediocre person less attractive.
A clumsy mistake made a highly competent person more attractive to others.
The same mistake that made the highly competent person more attractive made the mediocre person less attractive.
What the study cannot prove
This was one small experiment from 1966. It used recorded quiz performances and only male participants. The effect only appears when the performer is already competent, and attempts to repeat it have had mixed results.
Limits we note on the exercises
This was one small experiment from 1966. It used recorded quiz performances and only male participants. The direction of the result is famous, but the effect depends on the situation, and attempts to repeat it have had mixed results.
The study is from 1966. It used a tape recording, a small sample, and only male candidates. Trust the direction of the result, not its size, and read the next section before you use it.
Where we use it
We use this paper in 4 places in the academy. If the paper turned out to be wrong, we would have to change everything in this list. Some of the exercise instructions below are part of Gold. You can read every finding for free.
In the topics · 1
Other papers used in the same places
These papers are used in the same topics and videos as this one. That does not mean the papers agree with each other. It only means that the same exercises use both.
The Spotlight Effect in Social Judgment
Gilovich, Medvec & Savitsky (2000)Just Teasing: A Conceptual Analysis and Empirical Review
Keltner, Capps, Kring, Young & Heerey (2001)The Experimental Generation of Interpersonal Closeness
Aron, Melinat, Aron, Vallone & Bator (1997)Beautiful Mess Effect: Self–Other Differences in Evaluation of Showing Vulnerability
Bruk, Scholl & Bless (2018)Undervaluing Gratitude: Expressers Misunderstand the Consequences of Showing Appreciation
Kumar & Epley (2018)Research
A real study. We tell you what it found, how many people were in it, and what it can't prove.
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