Date of Award

12-1-1995

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Communication

First Advisor

Dr. Marshall Prisbell

Second Advisor

Dr. Ray Millimet

Third Advisor

Dr. Warren Francke

Abstract

This thesis investigated perceptions of physical attractiveness and source credibility along the five dimensions of competence, character, composure, competence and sociability. The McCroskey and McCain Interpersonal Attraction Scale (1972) was used to determine levels of physical attractiveness in the advertisements used for the study. The McCroskey, Jensen and Valencia Source Credibility Scale (1973) was also used. Results indicated no significance between the perceived physical attractiveness or perceived physical unattractiveness of the sources and credibility except along one dimension of character. Those sources perceived as physically unattractive were perceived as having more character than those perceived physically attractive. Discussion, interpretation of results and future issues for research on physical attractiveness and source credibility are explored.

Comments

A Thesis Presented to the Department of Communications and the Faculty of the Graduate College University of Nebraska In Partial Fulfillmentof the Requirements for the Degree Master of Arts University of Nebraska at Omaha. Copyright Susan L. Bury December, 1995

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