NEW RESEARCH: What glasses say about a person



GREEN BAY (WITI) -- Most people who have worn glasses know the stereotype that comes with donning a pair of specs. They're typically perceived as being smart or a nerd.

UW-Green Bay psychology major Miranda DeMars embarked on a research study to see if that stereotype holds true. She and her team showed 49 participants different pictures of the same models with or without glasses. The participants then gave each picture a rating based on intelligence, trustworthiness, employability, friendliness and attractiveness.

The study showed people who were wearing glasses in the photos were perceived as more intelligent and trustworthy. But those same people picture without their glasses were perceived as more attractive.

The study also showed glasses did not have a significant impact on someone's employability or friendliness.

DeMars was one of several UW Green Bay psychology students who presented their research at the Midwest Psychological Association Convention in Chicago last week.  She says she would like to expand her research to show whether the participants also wore glasses--and whether that made them biased. areast-theme-font:minor-fareast; mso-hansi-font-family:Calibri; mso-hansi-theme-font:minor-latin;}

The study showed glasses did not have a significant impact on someone's employability or friendliness.

DeMars says her findings have practical applications for college student eager to make the best first impression.