In our discussion of how we perceive people, we have examined the concept of the halo effect. This is the idea that perceptions of one trait about a person, such as his or her beauty or the way he or she dresses, carries over to other characteristics, such as a person's intelligence or worth. The converse of the halo effect is, the so-called devil or pitchfork effect, where we form unjustified negative impressions based on a single undesirable characteristic of a person.
Format and Grading:
1. Write a three-page paper (approximately 750-1000 words) that compares/contrasts how the halo or devil effect is discussed in three or more of the articles on the list provided.
2. References to the articles must use correct MLA citation format. You will lose points if you do not use this format in the correct manner and if there are spelling or other grammar errors.
3. If you did not receive 85 or higher on your short paper, you should have your paper reviewed by the writing/tutoring center before turning your paper in. If you received higher than an 85, you may still want to consider having your paper reviewed.
4. The paper will be graded according to the grading system on pages 2 - 3. Review each individual point of the grading system (rubric (A-E) on pages 2 - 3. This is how your paper will be graded. A well-written essay is framed by the thesis statement and supported by the articles. An essay that simply goes rubric point by rubric point will not likely make a strong or coherent argument.
5. Include in your paper a one sentence thesis statement that somehow indicates your stance on the halo and/or devil effect including using one or both of the terms in the statement itself. You should also take a position on the impact of either the halo effect or the devil effect (or the characteristic that is the halo or devil effect) relative to the articles, and personal experience or pop culture example.
6. Your opening thesis statement should be reflected in the conclusion and developed in the body. In short, the thesis statement should serve as a kind of road map for reader.
7. Illustrate how will prove your thesis. For example, "We will see this by first looking at this, then at...., then....." This final sentence of the introduction is important in allowing the reader to follow the paper. The statement should immediately follow the thesis statement and show the reader how the thesis will be developed. It also helps clarify and limit the thesis idea and tell the reader what to expect.
8. Only defineterms 'halo effect' and 'devil effect' once. Providing multiple definitions is confusing to the reader.
Articles for Term Paper:
University of Colorado Denver. "Beautiful Women Face Discrimination in Certain Jobs, Study Finds." ScienceDaily, 6 Aug. 2010. Web. 1 Mar. 2012. .
Shahani-Denning, Comila. "Physical Attractiveness Bias in Hiring: What is Beautiful is Good." Hofstra Horizons (Spring 2003): 15-18. Web. 9 Aug. 2010. .
Blackwell Publishing Ltd. "Hiring Practices Influenced by Beauty." ScienceDaily, 6 Dec. 2007. Web. 3 Jan. 2008. .