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Hello Beautiful? The Effect of Interviewer Physical Attractiveness on Cooperation Rates and Survey Responses

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  • Mads Meier Jæger

Abstract

This article analyzes the effect of interviewers’ physical attractiveness on cooperation rates in face-to-face interviews and survey responses (self-reports on physical appearance, weight, and health). This article includes four aspects of physical attractiveness (facial attractiveness, voice attractiveness, body mass index [BMI], and height) and reports that (1) interviewers with more attractive faces and lower BMI have higher cooperation rates, (2) differences in interviewers’ personality (Big Five, Rosenberg self-esteem) account for about one third of the total effect of facial attractiveness on cooperation rates, and (3) being interviewed by a more attractive interviewer leads to more positive self-reports on physical appearance, weight, and health (but does not affect self-reports unrelated to physical appearance).

Suggested Citation

  • Mads Meier Jæger, 2019. "Hello Beautiful? The Effect of Interviewer Physical Attractiveness on Cooperation Rates and Survey Responses," Sociological Methods & Research, , vol. 48(1), pages 156-184, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:sae:somere:v:48:y:2019:i:1:p:156-184
    DOI: 10.1177/0049124116672677
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Hamermesh, Daniel S. & Abrevaya, Jason, 2013. "Beauty is the promise of happiness?," European Economic Review, Elsevier, vol. 64(C), pages 351-368.
    2. Berggren, Niclas & Jordahl, Henrik & Poutvaara, Panu, 2010. "The looks of a winner: Beauty and electoral success," Journal of Public Economics, Elsevier, vol. 94(1-2), pages 8-15, February.
    3. Rob Eisinga & Manfred Grotenhuis & Junilla Larsen & Ben Pelzer, 2012. "Interviewer BMI effects on under- and over-reporting of restrained eating: evidence from a national Dutch face-to-face survey and a postal follow-up," International Journal of Public Health, Springer;Swiss School of Public Health (SSPH+), vol. 57(3), pages 643-647, June.
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