The purpose of this study was to examine the influence of a female teacher's clothing style on student perceptions of teacher characteristics, including approachability, knowledge, respect, and overall acceptability. High school students were provided with photographs of a teacher model dressed in four clothing styles and were asked to select one of the photos for each of 20 statements designed to reflect teacher characteristics. Chi square results revealed differences between the clothing styles on 19 of the 20 statements.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.
References
1.
Conner, B.H., Peters, K., & Nagasawa, RH (1975). Person and costume: Effects on the formation of first impressions. Home Economics Research Journal, 4, 32-41.
2.
Douty, H.I. (1963). Influence of clothing on perceptions of persons . Journal of Home Economics, 55, 197-202.
3.
Peterson, T.C., & Johnson, M. (1985). Effects of teacher's style of dress on high school students' ratings of teacher characteristics. Proceedings of the Association of College Professors of Textiles and Clothing (p. 223). Monument, CO: ACPTC.
4.
Reeder, E.N., & King, K.C. (1984, May/June). Are teachers dressing for success?Illinois Teacher, pp. 212-213.
5.
Rollman, S.A. (1980). Some effects of teacher's style of dress. Eric Document ED 184 191, Microfiche Edition.
6.
Rosenblatt, S. (1980). The relationship of clothing to perceived teaching styles. College Student Journal, 14, 230-236.
