3: Interpersonal Attraction and Liking

Question 1

Physical attraction

Answer 1

Consistent findings- both sexes prefer symmetrical faces; childlike and feminine features.

Stereotypes:
HALO EFFECT: attractiveness associated with being popular, successful, sociable etc.
Dion (1976)- those who received photo of attractive child, viewed misbehaviour less seriously.

Question 2

Physical attraction: Experiments

Answer 2

Two procedures:
Identify attractive individuals and what characteristics they share.
Create composite image of combined faces with specific features.

Question 3

Physical attraction: Judgements

Answer 3

Accuracy:
Judgements of own attractiveness may differ to other’s judgement.
Two people usually agree when rating a third person.

Kenrick- look at pictures prior to rating; harsher after.
Factors influencing- clothing, age, height etc.

Question 4

Physical attraction: Symmetry

Answer 4

Perrett- use software to manipulate faces; found symmetrical faces preferred.
Penton-Voak- symmetry in real faces positively correlated with attractiveness rating.

Question 5

Physical attractiveness: Gender differences

Answer 5

Penton-Voak & Perrett- female preferences vary over menstrual cycle.
Usually prefer more feminine faces but during high conception phase prefer masculine faces.

Question 6

Proximity

Answer 6

Repeated exposure leads to positive effect on feelings and developing a mutual attraction.
Newcomb- students living in halls developed friendships based on proximity.
Zajon- mere exposure effect: frequent contact to a stimulus results in increasing positive evaluation.

Question 7

Similarity

Answer 7

Walster & Walster- ‘matching hypothesis’
- People attracted to those of similar level of attractiveness.

Byrne- ‘cognitive similarity’
- People like those with similar attitudes, beliefs and values.

Kelly- ‘construct similarity’
- Select friends with similar ways of thinking.

Over course of relationship- physical appearance and attitudinal similarity are first important; then deeper personality similarities important.

Question 8

Theories to explain similarity

Answer 8

Balance theory (Heider)- relationship between liking for another and attitude agreement; balance leads to positive emotional state.
Social comparison theory (Festinger)- if similar, this provides validation of one’s beliefs.
Evolutionary perspective- adaptive value of associating with similar others; programmed to fear those who are different.

Question 9

Dissimilarity/complementarity

Answer 9

Winch- ‘complementary needs hypothesis’
- Suggests we make up for our own personal downfalls; chose others stronger in our weaknesses.

Markey & Markey- couples who reported highest level of relationship quality were more dissimilar in dominance.

Question 10

Recent research

Answer 10

More naturalistic- eg. longitudinal studies.
Changes in society- eg. gender differences.
New technology- eg. online dating.