The tendency to form a favorable or unfavorable first impression of someone that affects later interpretation of that person is called

• A. impression fixation.
• B. a projective effect.
• C. the bias effect.
• D. the halo effect.

Answer: (D)

Verified step by step guidance

1. Begin by understanding the concept of first impressions in psychology. First impressions are the initial perceptions we form about someone, which can significantly influence our subsequent judgments and interactions with them.
2. Recognize that the 'halo effect' is a cognitive bias where our overall impression of a person influences how we feel and think about their character. This can lead to either favorable or unfavorable interpretations based on initial impressions.
3. Differentiate the 'halo effect' from other similar concepts. For example, 'impression fixation' might suggest a rigid adherence to first impressions, but it does not capture the broader influence on subsequent perceptions like the halo effect does.
4. Consider how the halo effect can manifest in various settings, such as in workplace evaluations, where an employee's initial positive impression can lead to more favorable assessments of their performance.
5. Reflect on the implications of the halo effect in everyday interactions and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of being aware of this bias to ensure more balanced and fair judgments of others.