matching hypothesis (attraction)

What gender puts a greater importance on physical attractiveness when choosing a mate?

Men.

What did Buss’s research (1989) on partner preferences in different cultures demonstrate?

That men in particular place great importance on physical attractiveness when choosing a mate.

What does Eastwick’s research (2011) suggest about women’s views on physical attractiveness in a romantic partner?

He suggests that women rely on physical attractiveness for short-term relationships (one night stands), and they view physical attractiveness as less important in serious relationships.

Men were more likely than women to rely on physical attractiveness in long-term relationships.

What’s Walster and Walster (1969)’s ‘matching hypothesis’ theory?

It claims that individuals initiating romantic relationships seek out partners whose social desirability (physical attractiveness, assets etc) approximately matches their own.

How does this process work?

When choosing a partner, individuals must:

1. Assess their own value in the eyes of a potential partner

2. Select the best available candidates who would be most likely to be attracted to them

What is the advantage of opting for partners of similar social desirability?

Chances of a successful outcome (long term relationship) are maximised.

Walster referred to these mating choices as ‘realistic’ choices. What factors do these choices need to consider?

What the person desires (their ideal choice)

Whether the other person desires him or her in return

Whether other desirable alternatives are available for one or both of them.

So people have to settle for mating ‘within their league’ whether they want to or not.

KEY STUDY: What was the Aim of Walster’s 1966 study?

To test the matching hypothesis.

What was the procedure of the study?

177 male and 170 female uni students were randomly selected to take part in the study.

When they came up to purchase their tickets to a dance, four student accomplices rated each of them for physical attractiveness

Participants were then asked to complete a lengthy questionnaire and told that the data gathered would be used to allocate their ideal partner for the night.

Participants were asked to complete a questionnaire about their dates - with a follow up questionnaire being given 6 months after the dance.

What were the findings of the study?

They did not support the matching hypothesis.

Once the participants had met their dates, they responded more positively to more physically attractive dates and were more likely to arrange dates with them if they were physically attractive.

Personality and intelligence didn’t affect the liking of the dates.

What were the conclusions of the study?

Eval