From very early on in life we're told not to judge a book by its cover, but it seems that sometimes you can judge people by their shoes.
A study published in the Journal of Research in Personality says researchers from the University of Kansas and Wellesley College found that certain shoe characteristics are telling of the wearer's personal traits. The research, published online this month, explored the concept of thin-slicing, wherein you form impressions based on small amounts of information.
The study asked 63 participants to look at the style, price, colour and condition of 208 pairs of shoes and attribute them with personality traits such as 'extrovert or introvert, liberal or conservative and the degree of their emotional stability, agreeableness, conscientiousness and openness,' with most participants able to correctly guess the strangers' temperament.
It looks as though those addicted to high-end designer heels were pegged as high earners, while flashy or colourful footwear 'belonged to extroverts' and shoes that were well kept belonged to 'conscientious types'.
'Practical and functional shoes generally belong to agreeable people, ankle boots fit with more aggressive personalities and uncomfortable looking shoes were worn by calm personalities,' according to the study.
I hate to say it, but some of us have been judging men and women by their shoes for many years. Can you really judge a person by their shoes?
@traceygillinder would like to apologize for cheating on Shoe Addict readers. Forgive me? Then check out the new Brisbane Times Plus One Column!
______________________________________________________
Follow Tracey on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/traceygillinder
No comments:
Post a Comment