Research confirms that people with glasses considered intelligent
GREEN BAY, WI – Most men and women who have worn glasses know the stereotype that comes with donning a pair of specs. Green Bay psychology major Miranda Demars embarked on a research study to see if that stereotype holds true.
“We wanted to know just strictly on a first-impression basis whether these individuals thought in a stereotypical way, based on whether or not they wore glasses,” she said.
Demars and her team showed 49 participants different pictures of the exact same models with or without glasses. The participants then gave every single picture a rating based on intelligence, trustworthiness, employability, friendliness and attractiveness.
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The study shows men and women who were wearing glasses in the photos were perceived as more intelligent and trustworthy. But those very same men and women pictured without glasses were perceived as more beautiful. The study confirmed glasses did not have a significant impact on someone’s employability or friendliness.
Demars says her findings have practical applications for college students keen to make the best first impression. “It really is dependent on what look you’re going for,” she said. “If you’re going on a date, maybe you want to take the glasses off. If you’re going to class or have a job interview, or you are going to court, you may want to wear the glasses.”
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Students around campus were questioned what they see when they look at another person with glasses.
“I don’t think it’s that big of a deal. I think because I wear them, I think, if you need them, you need them,” a sophomore said. “I think people see people without glasses as more appealing. Sometimes I do feel like I feel differently when I do not wear glasses,” Elena, a sophomore, said. Demars says while first impressions may perhaps hold true, it’s a good idea to look past someone’s glasses.
Demars was one of several UW – Green Bay psychology students who presented their research at the Midwest Psychological Association convention in Chicago last week. She says she would like to broaden her research to show whether the participants also wore glasses and whether that created a bias.
