Effect of Interviewer’s Eyeglasses on Compliance with a Face-to-face Survey Request and Perception of the Interviewer

Abstract

Several studies have shown that people photographed wearing eyeglasses were perceived more positively as to intelligence and honesty. However, the effect of wearing glasses on behavior and in real face-to-face relationships has never been examined. In two studies, interviewers wearing or not wearing eyeglasses were instructed to ask people in the street to respond to a survey. It was found that the compliance rate increased when the interviewer wore glasses. In the first study, the positive effect of eyeglasses was reported with both male and female participants and with both male and female interviewers; it was also observed in participants of different age groups. A second study confirmed the positive effect of eyeglasses on compliance with the survey request and indicated that the interviewer with eyeglasses was perceived as being more conscientious by the participants. Theoretical and practical interests are discussed.