Factors Affecting Attraction in Romantic Relationships - Physical Attractiveness (inc matching hypothesis). Flashcards
What does research show about women valuing physical attractiveness in relationships?
That they tend to value it only in short term relationships, but that is was less important in long term relationships.
What does research show about men valuing physical attractiveness in relationships?
That they rely on it in long-term relationships.
What does the Matching Hypothesis state?
That when people are forming relationships, they look for partners whose social desirability approximately matches their own.
What must individuals first do in order for the Matching Hypothesis to apply?
Asses their own ‘value’.
Once individuals have assessed their own ‘value’, what do they do?
Select the best potential partner who would most likely be attracted to them.
Why do people not aim for the most socially desirable partner?
Because by choosing someone of a similar level to themselves, they maximise the chance of a successful outcome.
What has changed over time about the Matching Hypothesis?
Initially, it proposed that people would pair up with someone as ‘socially desirable’ as themselves biased on a range of traits.
But now, it is more associated with specifically physical attractiveness.
What did Walster et al refer to these mating choices as?
‘Realistic choices’.
What was the study carried out that actually implies attractiveness is more important than matching?
Computer Dance Study.
