Social Attire

            
             A common saying is that first impressions are very important in the way people will perceive others for the rest of their social relationship. "Clothing and other appearance cues provide information about credibility, identity, and anticipated behaviors of others, and is used in initial interactions to answer the question "Who is this person?" (Bassett, 1979). In my research I will examine the question of how the factor of the professors" attire influences a students perception of the competency and sociability of that professor. My participants will answer a questionnaire based on their perception of a male and female confederate shown in a picture in three different types of clothing. The questionnaire will consist of 30 items in two areas, competency and sociability. The participants will be asked to answer the questions concerning these two areas, based on their initial perception of the confederates seen above in the picture. I expect the results to show that there will be significant differences between the dress style and the ratings of competency and sociability. I also expect the results to show that when gender and type of clothing are compared with each other, the female in formal clothing will receive higher ratings in competency than the male in formal clothing. In addition, I expect my results to show that there is an interaction between the gender in the different clothing conditions and the ratings of competency and sociability. Based on this study, I hope to be able to conclude that the differences of ratings in competency and sociability due to the factor of the professors clothing are by far more significant as was found in previous research.
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             Influence of Professors" Clothing on Student's Perception of Competency and Sociability.
             Twenty years ago, professors across the country experienced an immense liberation. That liberation took place in terms of the dress code that used to be followed up until then, black suit and tie, dress and nylon stockings, together with formal shoes seemed to be the trademark of professors.