What is the term for evaluating someone based on one or two characteristics, such as attractiveness?

The term for evaluating someone based on one or two characteristics, such as attractiveness, is known as the halo effect. The halo effect occurs when an individual's overall impression of a person influences how they feel and think about that person's specific traits. For instance, if one finds someone attractive, they may also assume that person has other positive qualities, such as being intelligent or kind, regardless of whether these assumptions are justified.

This cognitive bias can lead to skewed judgments in various contexts, including hiring decisions, performance evaluations, and interpersonal relationships. The halo effect exemplifies how easily perceptions can be influenced by superficial attributes, highlighting the importance of recognizing bias in decision-making processes. Understanding this concept helps individuals and organizations strive for a more objective evaluation of people based on a comprehensive analysis of their abilities and qualifications rather than a limited set of attributes.