The Effects of Individuals’ Ratings of the Competency of Others with Tattoos and Piercings

Individuals with facial piercings have been viewed in previous studies as having lower competency levels (Newman et al., 2005). The researchers conducted a study previously analyzing the effects of piercings on reported trustworthiness. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with tattoos are viewed negatively by employers (Timming, 2015). The purpose of the current study is to build upon previous studies on the effects of tattoos and piercing. It will also analyze the effects of competency rating on individuals with both tattoos and piercings. The researchers hypothesize that both tattoos and piercings will negatively affect individuals competency ratings. The study will include 40 University of the Pacific students that will be gathered using Haphazard sampling. There will be four conditions: piercings only, tattoos only, both piercings and tattoos, and no tattoos or piercings. The same four models will be used for each condition. Competency will be measured through a survey provided to the participants. The researchers believe that there will be a main effect for both visible piercings and tattoos. The researchers also believe that there will be a simple main effect of tattoos on piercings. The current study will inform and bring awareness to individual’s perceptions of tattoos and piercings. Key words: competency, tattoos, piercings, experimen