Comparison of analogue strategies for investigating the influence of counselors' physical attractiveness

Assessed the validity of examining the influence of counselor's physical attractiveness via observation of videotape segments. The 1st section of the study involved a replication of a study by T. F. Cash et al using 3-min videotaped excerpts of introductory presentations made by 3 male and 3 female graduate-student counselors. 40 undergraduates were Ss. Two control conditions (audio-only and video-only observations) were used for comparisons. In the 2nd section, the same 6 counselors each saw 5 clients over 4 sessions for an individually administered assertiveness-training program. Ss in all conditions provided standardized ratings of counselor attractiveness, technical skill, and social competence. Counselor ratings were highly influenced by modality of presentation, with in-vivo contact yielding more positive impressions than those made after simply observing the counselor. Physical attractiveness was a less powerful predictor of counselor effectiveness than perceived technical skill. (21 ref)