HIGH POINT, N.C., Aug. 2, 2012 – John Purcell, a rising senior double majoring in psychology and music at High Point University, recently presented his research at the International Association of Relationship Research in Chicago.
At the conference, Purcell presented “What makes a Siren sultry: Investigating the attractiveness stereotype in vocal performance.”
“My research investigated the impact of feeling accepted and physical, facial attractiveness on vocal performance evaluation,” Purcell says.
Based on Purcell’s research, he suggests there is an interaction between a male listener’s feelings of social inclusion and perception of physically attractive female vocal music and performance.
“Specifically, men who were more socially included rated a more physically attractive woman as more vocally attractive and skilled than a less attractive woman with the same voice,” Purcell says. “Possibly even more interesting is the fact that men who were socially rejected rated the voice identically, regardless of whether or not it was paired with the attractive or unattractive photograph.”
Dr. Sadie Leder, who collaborated with Purcell on the project, also presented at the conference. “Dr. Leder has been such a great mentor and has really helped me develop my role as a psychological researcher,” Purcell adds.
The conference is held annually and caters to a group of researchers who study the science of personal and social relationships.
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Pam Haynes
Communication Specialist
336-841-9055
[email protected]