Clark and Hatfield (1989) - Study | Psychology

IB Questions

• Genetics and Behaviour - Evolutionary Explanations

Name of the Researcher(s)

Clark and Hatfield

Publication

1989

Method

True Experiment (Field)

Aim

To investigate if there’s gender difference to casual sex.

Procedure

1. Confederates of both sexes were used who were conventionally attractive.

2. Confederates were instructed to approach random participants of the opposite sex by a college campus and ask them one of three questions:
   a. Would you like to have sex with me?
   b. Would you like to get coffee with me?
   c. Would you like to come to my apartment?

Results

75% of males approved of sex while 0% of the women said no to sex.

Conclusion

The study is in support of the parental investment theory that women tend to be more picky with their mates while men want to spread their DNA as much as possible.

Strengths

+ Cause-and-Effect
+ High Ecological Validity

Limitations

- Deception Used = Ethical Concern
- Difficulty Controlling Extraneous Variables (Homosexuality, Girlfriend/Boyfriend)