Buss

Question 1

Year

Answer 1

1989

Question 2

Aim

Answer 2

Test three evolution-based assumptions about human mate selection in a large cross-cultural sample.
- men favor youth and physical appearance
- men value chastity
- women favor resources

Question 3

Sample

Answer 3

10047 participants
- 37 samples
- 33 countries
- mean age 23

Question 4

Procedure

Answer 4

Two surveys
BIOGRAPHICAL DATA
- at what age marry
- age difference with spouse
- who should be older
- how many children
- rate 18 characteristics on importance (4pt scale)

CHARACTERISTICS OF MATE
- Rate 13 characteristic of desirability of mate

Question 5

Results and conclusion

Answer 5

36/37
- women value ‘good financial prospects’ more than men

37/37
- men prefer younger women (24 ish)
Female prefer men older than them.

34/37
- men value physical attractiveness more than women

only 23/37 value chastity

Only assumption not supported was men valuing chastity to guarantee paternity. Indicates that it may be more of a cultural construct than biological.