RELS 01(b): Matching hypothesis

According to the matching hypothesis, what do people ideally want and what do they want to avoid? (2)

·* We want the most attractive partner possible

* ·We want to avoid rejection from more physically attractive people

According to the matching hypothesis, why are those in couples similar in attractiveness? (4)

· There is competition for physically attractive partners

* Attractive people pair off with other attractive people.

* Most aim to get the most attractive person consistent with their own attractiveness

*· Mismatched couples have jealousy + resentment issues, so are more likely to break up

Explain what Walster's (1966) original Computer Dance study found and shows about attractiveness (2)

* Physical attractiveness was single biggest factor in attraction out of all the information given to them about a date for a dance

* People want the most attractive partner possible​

Explain what · Berscheid's adapted Walster's Computer Dance study found and shows about attractiveness (2)

* When not guaranteed a date unless recipient of their request agreed, pps tended to request a date with someone of similar attractiveness

* People aim for most attractive partner consistent with their own attractiveness​

Explain what ·Feingold's meta- analysis of studies of couples found and shows about attractiveness (2)

* Correlation of +0.39 in attractiveness between people in couples, and +0.5 in longer- term couples

* People end up with someone of moderately similar attractiveness​​