Social Theory of Attraction

What is a strength of the Social Theory of Attraction regarding culture?

It accounts for cultural differences in what people find attractive.

What is a methodological strength of the Social Theory of Attraction?

Several studies are experimental and replicable.

What is a theoretical strength of the Social Theory of Attraction?

The theories are mostly holistic.

What is one weakness of the Social Theory of Attraction regarding ecology?

Lab studies with strangers are artificial and don’t predict real-life attraction.

What is one weakness of the Social Theory of Attraction regarding variables?

Studies often poorly define “attraction” or “liking.”

What is a weakness of cross-cultural attraction research?

It may overstate cultural differences instead of similarities.

How can culture change the validity of attraction research?

Cultures shift over time towards more globalised views of attraction.

What is one methodological weakness of attraction research?

It often relies on questionnaires and surveys prone to bias.

What is one cultural limitation of attraction research?

Most is etic, asking cultures to rank Western relationship qualities.

What is the mere-exposure effect?

The tendency to develop a preference for things simply because they are familiar.