This study explored how the color red and other colors affect attraction between genders. 66 participants viewed images of models wearing colored tops against colored backgrounds. Results found that red appeared to influence attraction, but not definitively for any single aspect like clothing or background color. Red was not rated as the most attractive color overall, as blue tops and backgrounds also scored highly. Attraction to color seems context-dependent and influenced by individual preferences.

1. ABSTRACT.
Background. The use of colour within society and social interaction provides a stage for personal and highly
individual forms of self-expression that is based within our evolutionary and behavioural observations and
responses regarding the selection of a partner or the assessment of a physical threat (Elliot & Niesta, 2008).
Aims. This research explored and compared the effect of the colour red as well as three other colours upon the
strength of attraction of both genders.
Sample. A total of 66 participants of both genders and all sexual orientation took part filling in a questionnaire
whilst viewing a book containing sixteen images.
Method. Images were of a model of the gender of choice for the viewer. The book contained 4 images of a person
wearing 4 different coloured tops against a background of 4 different colours.
Results. Chi-square and ANOVA analysis suggests that red does appear to play a part in selection although within no
specific aspect whether it is clothing worn, back ground colour or a combination of both.
Conclusion. Red is not the single most definitive colour that provides attraction. This research found that blue top
and background also scored highly. Colour is context dependant whilst the personal choice and preference of the
individual is a strong deciding factor. These results and conclusion show strong similarities with studies conducted
by Elliot and Niesta (2008).
STUDY TITLE.
Attraction to other people through the colour red using
interchanging clothing and background.
David Seckington 96014195.
Introduction.
The use of colour within a social context provides
the individual not only the ability to express their
personality and individuality but also to convey
visualmessages of how we wish others to view and
regard us. Bold bright colours may convey a
personality that is bright, bubbly and cheerful whilst
dark colours may convey a more reserved
character. This decision making process regarding
the aspects of attraction and signalling to others
may be deep rooted in anthropology and
attribution theory. Elliot and Niesta (2008) further
suggestthat red is a sexual indicator for men
viewing women regardless of whether the image is
wearing or bordered by red. Men perceive the
image of the ‘lady in red’ as more sexually
receptive. The colour red is a strong vibrant
indicator to those that view it playing a partwithin
society in areas such as romanceand the presenting
partners with gifts of red roses and cards among
other things on Valentine’s Day whilst in a sporting
context red can also convey strength, status and
success.
Little and Hill (2007) suggeststhatfemales are also
awareof the red effect and are attracted to males
wearing this colour. Females are much more
sensitivethan males to the dominance of certain
colours when compared to other colours. Little and
Hill add that red is moredominant than blue and is
special in sexual selection and attraction regarding
the signalling to others.
The impact of colour within our daily lives affects
us in ways wedo not realise at specific moments in
time and under certain circumstances. Our
perception of others is very heavily guided by the
colours that people wear in conjunction with their
own body language. Kyle and Mahler (1996) studied
the effects of colour regarding a person attending a
job interview. A total of 136 students were shown a
C.V. and a photograph of a woman with either red,
blond or brunette hair whilst wearing or not
wearing makeup. The study concluded that visual
cues guided the participant’s responseregarding
opinion of that person. The model with brunette
hair and wearing makeup was awarded the highest
salary. This research demonstrated how strongly
people judgeothers and their ability when
presented with certain colours, possibly creating a
foundation for bias and stereotyping.
The impact of colour can within our daily lives can
affect us in ways wedo not realise at specific
moments in time. Research has indicated that red
can have a negative impact upon psychological
functioning reducing motivation, increasing
avoidancebehaviour and impairing performance
scores in relation IQ testing and scores. Elliot,
Maier, Arlen, Freidman and Meinhardt (2007)
further suggests that due to the effect of red care
must be taken in how this colour is used and viewed
within the environmentand how it may effect
individuals who view this strong and influential
colour.
Method
Participants. A total of 66 participants
took partwithin this study. This
comprised of 36 males, and 30 females.
30 of these people weremarried, 7
divorced, 26 were single and 3 were in a
long term relationship. Regarding
sexuality 46 individuals were
heterosexual, 7 homosexual, 2 lesbian, 5
bi-sexual whilst6 male participants chose
not to answer the question regarding
sexual orientation. The primary criteria
for participation within this study was
that respondents wereaged 20 years and
above to ensurematurity regarding
questionnairecontent. The youngest
respondentwas 20 years whilstthe
oldest was 68 years old.
Materials. This research involved two
components, a questionnaireand a book
of images. The questionnairecontained
all appropriateinformation linked to
confidentiality and right to withdraw
fromthe study as well as questions that
asked demographic information and a 5
point Likert scale that explored level of
attraction the participant felt whilst
viewing the images of the models
wearing or bordered by four different
colours. The book of images contained
either a male or female model wearing a
t-shirtin either red, blue, yellow or green
these images were also bordered by the
same four colours. The book was
separated into four sections A, B, C and D
making a t-shirtand coloured background
alternating variations of 16 different
combinations. The participant viewed the
images in each section completing the
questionnaireas they progressed through
the book.
Mean scores.
ANOVA mean scores
Female images viewed.
Red background- 14.8571.
Red clothes- 16.8750.
Both- 16.8333.
Other colours- 14.1250.
Male images viewed.
Red background- 18.5000.
Red clothes- 15.7500.
Both- 16.3636.
Other colours- 15.2222.
Mean scores show no significant
difference regarding red clothes, red
background or both.
Results
ANOVA analysisattractiverating.
ANOVA results indicate no significant
difference between both groups of
male and female images viewed. The
analysis can suggestthat red appears
to have an effect upon selection but in
no specific context.
Chi-Squareanalysisattractiverating.
Chi-squareresults of female images
viewed indicate that the red effect is
comparablewith other colours
although when red either in clothing,
background or both are calculated
together the ratings are much greater
when compared to other colours.
Conversely when compared to male
images viewed, red clothing and red
background scorehigher than female
images viewed but when both scores
are calculated together then the totals
are comparablewith other colours.
Discusion.
Research findings indicate that
red appears to guide selection of
the viewer although there appears
to be no definitive direct link to
red increasing the attractiveness
of the image being viewed.
Previous research has
concentrated mainly upon one
gender viewing the opposite
whilst rating levels of attraction.
This study approached as wide
and diversepopulation as possible
regarding age, relationship status
and sexual orientation which
previous research has not
attempted. The results of this
study echoes similar findings to
that of Elliot and Niesta (2008)
although red was not the single
highest rated colour. The image of
a male wearing blue t-shirt and
bordered by blue was the second
highest rated image.
An explanation for this may be
attributable to colour dominance.
A male image wearing and
bordered by a perceived male
colour of blue, this image was
viewed by predominantly
heterosexual females.
The choosing of a favouriteimage
and rating scores regarding non
heterosexual participants showed
similarities. Homosexualmales
rating the male images and
lesbian females rating the images
of the female showed that
selection of both red top and red
background combined was high.
The explanation for this may be
that the combined red effect of
clothing worn and red image
border has a greater effect than if
either was viewed alone.
This research did not accountfor
the currentparticipant’s attitude
and emotional state whilst
viewing the images. The
participants of either gender may
have been open and looking for a
relationship at the time of viewing
the images but also may havealso
separated from a partner who
may havehad an influence upon
image selection and participation.
Summary.
This study can conclude and
suggestthat red can affect both
genders and all sexual orientation
in subtle ways that we do not
realise guiding our emotions and
decisions. Colour and attraction to
others is subjectiveand personal.
References.
Elliot, A. J., Maier, M. A., Moller, A. C., Freidman, R.
& Meinhardt, J. (2007). The red effect on
performance attainment. Journal of Experimental
Psychology. 136. (1). 154-168.
Elliot, A. J., & Niesta, D. (2008). Romantic Red: red
enhances men’s attraction to women. Journal
of Personality and Social Psychology. 95. 154-168.
Kyle, D. J., & Mahler, H. I. M. (1996). The effects of
hair colour and cosmetic use on perceptions
of a females ability. Psychology of Women
Quarterly.
Little, A. C., & Hill, R. A. (2007). Attribution to red
suggests specialrole in dominance signalling.
Journal of Evolutionary Psychology. 5. 161-168.