Abstract

The possibility of a connection between the sense of smell and the perception of beauty was investigated. Twenty-two participants were sorted into three different groups: group 1 (no stimulus), group 2 (negative stimulus), and group 3 (positive stimulus). The research procedure consisted of participants filling out a quick survey before and after the experiment to evaluate mood. Each individual was then asked to rate the attractiveness of the ten models. The hypothesis was that smell would have an impact on perception, a negative impact associated with a negative smell, a positive impact associated with a positive smell. No statistical significance was found in the research to support the hypothesis, however there was an unplanned statistical significance found with mood alteration and participating in this experiment. There was an indication that with a larger number of participants different results might have occurred.

Recommended Citation

Priester, Elysa and Kraft, Heather (2006) "Investigation into the Perception of Beauty," Undergraduate Psychology Research Methods Journal: Vol. 1: Iss. 4, Article 3.
Available at: https://digitalcommons.lindenwood.edu/psych_journals/vol1/iss4/3