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psychology

Halo effect

Also: Halo bias

What it means

Edward Thorndike's name for the cognitive bias where one positive trait colors our perception of unrelated traits. Attractive people are assumed smart; charismatic leaders are assumed competent. Drives hiring mistakes, brand premiums, and most "this CEO is a visionary" narratives.

Related concepts

Cognitive bias
Confirmation bias

Cross-reference·Halo effect on Wikipedia

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