The Challenges in Researching the Relationship Between Physical Attractiveness and Altruism Using Economic Games

Abstract

This case study is based on a portion of my PhD research exploring the relationship between physical attractiveness and altruistic behavior. Much of the previous literature exploring these variables has been conducted via computer simulations, using facial images and vignettes. I conducted three studies exploring the relationship between physical attractiveness and altruistic behavior among real people in a laboratory setting using economic games. It was hypothesized that people would be more altruistic toward those they considered attractive. The findings yielded consistent null results. This case study reports the factors that influenced my findings and the decisions made when designing each study.