Humanity at first sight: Exploring the relationship between others' pupil size and ascriptions of humanity

Social targets' eyes are a rich source of information: partners with dilated and constricted pupils perceived positively negatively, respectively. Here, we tested whether observed pupil size influences the ascription humanity. In Study 1 (n = 198) participants were asked to attribute positive uniquely human non-uniquely traits ingroup (i.e., university students), derogated homeless people) non-derogated Dutch) targets whose varied in size. Results showed higher attribution (vs. constricted) pupils, whereas no difference based on emerged traits. The effect was stronger for ingroup) targets. 2 117) emotions. replicated trait attribution, especially outgroup members. not qualified by emotions type (uniquely vs. non human). Taken together, our findings show that is interpreted as cue humanity social