Prototype of a Doctor: How are the Reverse Correlation Images of a Doctor and a Non-Doctor Face Perceived?

Abstract

Doctors are a vital part of keeping people healthy, as patients seek doctors to check their health and treat any sickness. Previous research has shown that people prefer to be seen by doctors who are of the same race, culture, and ethnicity. However, research has not looked into how the ideal facial image of a doctor impacts patient perception, as facial prototypes play an important role in decision making and perception. The current study used a reverse correlation image classification task (RCIC) to understand the facial prototype of a physician by looking at competence and warmth. Based on previous research, it was hypothesized that the prototype of a doctor will be a White male and the doctor face perceived as more competent and warmer than the non-doctor face created. The results mostly supported the hypothesis, as the prototypical image of a doctor was found to have highest ratings for likely being White and likely to be female, while the non-doctor had highest rating for likely to being Black and likely to being male. Overall, the doctor face also received higher ratings for competence and warmth compared to the non-doctor face. The implications of these findings will be discussed.