Factors Affecting Attraction: Phsyical Attractiveness Flashcards
AO1:
Shackelford and Larson (1997)
Due to evolutionary theory, physical attractiveness such as facial symmetry is an indicator of good genes, neotonous features bring out caring instinct.
AO1:
McNulty (2008)
PA important for initial attraction but also plays an important role in maintaining the relationship for several years.
AO1:
Halo Effect
Dion et al (1972), attractive people are consistently rated as kind, strong, sociable and intelligent compared to unattractive people.
AO1:
Halo Effect SFP
Self-fulfilling prophecy, want to impress an attractive person so people are nice to them, halo Effect is nice back so therefore it must be true.
AO1:
Matching Hypothesis
Wals tee (1966) can’t go for all attractive people so we compromise for someone of similar levels of attractiveness for fear of rejection. Couples who are similar tend to be happier.
AO3:
Palmer and Peterson (2012)
Attractive people were rated as more politically knowledgable, supports halo effect, increases validity.
AO3:
Towhey (1979)
Individual differences on the MACHO scale affects the halo effect, decreases generalisability.
AO2:
MACHO scale
Benefits for employment e.g. In companies to ensure the right people are hired.
AO3:
Walster (1966)
Refutes matching hypothesis, disregards own PA, decreases validity.
AO3:
Walster (1969)
Natural setting supports matching hypothesis, increases validity.
AO3:
Cunningham et al (1995)
Features of PA consistent across cultures such as prominent cheekbones and big eyes, increases generalisability.
AO3:
Taylor (2011)
Refutes MH in online dating, decreases temporal validity.
AO3:
Feingold (1988)
Meta-analysis found correlation in couples and attractiveness, supports MH, increases validity.
AO3:
Reductionist
Not complete explanation, only focuses on looks.
