Abstract
Broadly, the task of this paper is to examine the connection between social and individual opinion. More specifically, does consensus information, as manifested in the relative attractiveness of candidate appearances, affect candidate evaluations? If so, are differences significant, and are all individuals equally affected? By employing an experimental design and incorporating the personality construct of self-monitoring, I find that significant differences do in fact appear. These differences result from the relative weight individuals assign to social sources of information in decision processes. High self-monitors are found to be quite sensitive to consensus information (attractive o unattractive appearances) whereas low self-monitors are less so. By conceiving physical appearances as consensus information, a unique understanding of the bond linking individual to collective opinion emerges. The great majority of mankind are satisfied with appearances, as though they were realities, and are often more influenced by the things that seem than by those that are.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
