The Effect of Spatial Elevation on Respect Depends on Merit and Medium

Abstract

Five experiments investigated the effects of spatial elevation on person perception in both a computer setup and actual encounters, determining the moderating role of additional verbal information about the target. In accordance with prior findings, spatial elevation increased respect in a computer setting, especially when the target was described as nonachieving. Liking toward the target was not affected. In an actual encounter the results were reversed: When actually facing the target, spatial elevation decreased respect when it was not legitimized by achievements of the target. We discuss the implications of our findings for the elicitation of respect and experimental approaches to investigate it.