Physiognomic perception: empirical and theoretical perspectives.

A review of the research and theory on physiognomic perception was set forth. There have been several types of tasks and methods used to tap this domain; thus, a thorough discussion of this topic was presented. Early as well as recent studies indicative very high degrees of adult consensus in the making of physiognomic attributions. However, with individuals under (approximately) 10 years of age, consensus is not readily apparent--rather, a distinct developmental course has been suggested. Studies dealing with individual differences and several major theories of etiology were also examined in the light of current findings.