I like to move it move it - static and dynamic cues in social perception.

Abstract

This study investigates the influence of static (BMI and anthropometric measures such as waist-to-hip ratio and shoulder-to-waist ratio) and dynamic cues (walking and dancing) on social perceptions of attractiveness, competence, and warmth. Using stimuli from 100 participants using motion-capture technology, including pictures (static), raw and motion-captured videos (dynamic), the research evaluates how these cues contribute to social judgments. Results indicate that both static and dynamic cues significantly influence perceptions, with dynamic cues (especially dancing) enhancing the ecological validity of judgments. Furthermore, the interplay between BMI and dynamic movement provides a richer context for understanding attractiveness and competence, highlighting the need to integrate both static and dynamic elements in social perception research.