Cited by 1,508Evolutionary Psychology and Human BehaviorFace Recognition and PerceptionElectoral Systems and Political Participation

Inferences of competence from faces predict election outcomes

Todorov, Alexander, Mandisodza, Anesu N., Goren, Amir, Hall, Crystal C.·2005·Science

Abstract

We show that inferences of competence based solely on facial appearance predicted the outcomes of U.S. congressional elections better than chance (e.g., 68.8% of the Senate races in 2004) and also were linearly related to the margin of victory. These inferences were specific to competence and occurred within a 1-second exposure to the faces of the candidates. The findings suggest that rapid, unreflective trait inferences can contribute to voting choices, which are widely assumed to be based primarily on rational and deliberative considerations.

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Crossref · 10.1126/science.1110589

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Authors
Todorov, A., Mandisodza, A. N., Goren, A., & Hall, C. C.
Affiliations
Princeton University (US)
Corresponding author
  • Todorov, Alexander
  • Mandisodza, Anesu N.
Venue
Science
Published
2005-06-10
Volume
308
Issue
5728
Pages
1623-1626
ISSN
  • 0036-8075 (ISSN-L)
  • 1095-9203
OpenAlex
W1991107651
Cited by
1,508
References
25
Citations by year
2026: 59 · 2025: 71 · 2024: 82 · 2023: 97 · 2022: 88 · 2021: 101 · 2020: 107 · 2019: 97 · 2018: 112 · 2017: 99 · 2016: 79 · 2015: 74 · 2014: 81 · 2013: 57 · 2012: 64
FWCI
32.83
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Science (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Psychology › Experimental and Cognitive Psychology › Evolutionary Psychology and Human Behavior
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Face Recognition and Perception
  • Social Sciences › Political Science and International Relations › Electoral Systems and Political Participation
Keywords
facial appearance, perceived competence, candidate evaluation, voting behavior, face perception, trait inference, margin of victory, 2004 elections
MeSH terms
Aging, Character, Decision Making, Face, Female, Forecasting, Humans, Intelligence, Judgment, Leadership, Male, Politics, Social Perception, Stereotyping, United States, Mental Competency, Federal Government, Trust

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