Why are average faces attractive? The effect of view and averageness on the attractiveness of female faces
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2004Author
Valentine, Tim
Darling, Stephen
Donnelly, Mary
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Valentine, T., Darling, S. & Donnelly, M. (2004) Why are average faces attractive? The effect of view and averageness on the attractiveness of female faces, Psychonomic Bulletin & Review, , , pp. 482-487,
Abstract
Images of faces manipulated to make their shapes closer to the average are perceived as more attractive.The influences of symmetry and averageness are often confounded in studies based on full-face views of faces. Two experiments are reported that compared the effect of manipulating the averageness of female faces in profile and full-face views. Use of a profile view allows a face to be morphed-
toward an average shape without creating an image that becomes more symmetrical. Faces morphed toward the average were perceived as more attractive in both views, but the effect was significantly stronger for full-face views. Both full-face and profile views morphed away from the average shape were perceived as less attractive. It is concluded that the effect of averageness is independent of any
effect of symmetry on the perceived attractiveness of female faces. Our Research Report for 2000-2002 reflects an outstanding level of achievement throughout the institution and demonstrates once again our high level of commitment to strategic and applied research particularly in areas that enhance the quality of life.