Can we evaluate a new person at first glance?

Yes, we can and astonishingly accurately.

How come?

Since we were on the Savannah, aeons of years ago,  humans, in the face of danger,  have had to make quick snap decision to survive.  So we have this rapid evaluation of others embedded in our brains by way of an evolutionary process.



recommended:

https://class.coursera.org/socialpsychology-002/lecture/25

https://class.coursera.org/socialpsychology-002/lecture/25

https://class.coursera.org/socialpsychology-002/lecture/25