Effects of competence information on perceptions of warmth

Abstract

Competence (i.e., one’s knowledge, intelligence, and abilities) and warmth (i.e., one’s sociability, friendliness, and caring) are traditionally regarded as the two fundamental dimensions of social cognition. This study was aimed at examining how competence might influence perceived warmth. We hypothesised and found that compared to inept persons, competent ones were perceived as being more attractive, which made them being perceived as warmer (Studies 1–4). High competence increased warmth perception for those who were initially perceived as being cold (Study 2) whereas low competence decreased warmth perception of those who were initially perceived as being warm (Study 3). The effect of competence on perceived warmth was not simply a halo effect (Study 4). Thus, the studies provided converging evidence that competence fosters warmth perception.