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Accuracy in discrimination of self-reported cooperators using static facial information

  • Anthony C. Little*
  • , Benedict C. Jones
  • , Lisa M. DeBruine
  • , Robin I.M. Dunbar
  • *Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

People readily ascribe personality traits to others and believe that faces hold important guides to character. Here we examined the relationship between static facial appearance and self-reported cooperation/defection using the prisoner's dilemma (N=193). Study 1 combined face images of those self-reporting they would be most and least likely to cooperate. The composites of cooperators were seen as more cooperative than non-cooperators. Study 2 demonstrated accuracy with ratings of individual faces. Masculinity of face shape was negatively related to self-reported cooperation for men, but not women. Further, ratings of smile intensity were positively, but not significantly, related to self-reported cooperation. Overall, individuals appear able judge the potential of others to cooperate from static facial appearance alone at rates greater than chance.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)507-512
Number of pages6
JournalPersonality and Individual Differences
Volume54
Issue number4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2013

Funding

Anthony Little is supported by a Royal Society University Research Fellowship. Robin Dunbar is supported by a European Research Council Advanced Grant.

Keywords

  • accuracy
  • cooperation
  • detection
  • prisoner's dilemma
  • social perception

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