What is the "halo effect" in psychology?

The halo effect refers to the cognitive bias where a person's overall impression of someone influences how they feel and think about that person's specific traits. In other words, if someone has a positive impression of another individual, this tends to positively color their perception of the other person's traits, abilities, or characteristics, regardless of the reality of those specific traits. For example, if a teacher sees a student as kind and helpful, they might also perceive that student as intelligent or hardworking, even if there is no direct evidence supporting those traits.

This phenomenon is significant because it demonstrates how an initial impression can create a ripple effect in our judgment, shaping our evaluations in various contexts, including professional settings, personal relationships, and more. Understanding the halo effect is important for recognizing potential biases in decision-making and evaluation processes.