Diedre Ribbens Subtle Yet Sexy Summary

What’s that Smell? Several studies have been made to understand why humans are attracted to certain people. Diedre Ribbens, a biological scientist, was skeptical regarding pheromones influencing sexual attraction; however, towards the conclusion of her article, “Subtle, yet Sexy: How Pheromones can Change Your Perception of Attractiveness” she becomes aware of the additional ways pheromones work and the possibilities. She gains credibility since she is a scientist and uses factual information from studies conducted on pheromones as well as emotional appeal to her audience. Ribbens’ appeals to the reader by using an eye-catching title as well as creative hook. When she asks the reader if they have “…ever found someone particularly sexy without knowing why” it sets up the thought process of the article (para 1). By beginning her blog with a rhetorical question it forces the reader to reflect on their own lives. Ribbens uses rhetorical questions to introduce her beliefs to the readers. She walks her
One study that formed her argument was a study where “...participants watched a series of videos of a walking human silhouette with dots marking the arms, legs, hips, and shoulders” (para 7). This 2005 study was conducted by Wen Zhou and her colleagues at the Chinese Academy of Sciences Institute of Psychology. The study group watched the “point-light walker” without knowing they were inhaling pheromones. The scientists conducting the study wanted to understand if the pheromones essentially influence their thoughts. The participants were supposed to develop an opinion on whether or not the person was male or female. The smell of the pheromones was covered by a strong scent of cloves. The researchers go through these precautions to ensure that nothing is influencing the participant’s