Pratfall effect in psychology

Going to Work 2023

The pratfall effect is a finding that a person's likeability can change after they make a mistake. The effect depends on the perceived level of competence of the person making a mistake.

The pratfall effect is attributed to  psychological scientists, Elliot Aronson and his team (1966).

A quote from the abstract:

"An experiment was performed which demonstrated that the attractiveness of a superior person is enhanced if he commits a clumsy blunder; the same blunder tends to decrease the attractiveness of a mediocre person. "

If the effect is reliable, it suggests people may relate better to highly competent people who make a minor mistake. It's not likely to help people who have not established their credibility.

Reference

Aronson, E., Willerman, B., & Floyd, J. (1966). The effect of a pratfall on increasing interpersonal attractiveness. Psychonomic Science, 4(6), 227–228. https://doi.org/10.3758/BF03342263

Geoffrey W. Sutton, PhD is Emeritus Professor of Psychology. He retired from a clinical practice and was credentialed in clinical neuropsychology and psychopharmacology. His website is  www.suttong.com

 

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