Factors Affecting Attraction: Physical Attractiveness

Question 1

Facial Symmetry: Shackleford & Larsen

Answer 1

The most symmetrical a face is, the more “attractive” they may be perceived because it had been seen as a sign of genetic fitness

Question 2

Self-fulfilling Prophecy & Halo Effect

Answer 2

• A “baby face “ or neotenous features tigger a protective & caring instinct
• Dion et al (1972): what is beautiful us good
  -> we have a physical attractiveness stereotype where good-looking people have a good personality which makes them more attractive to us and we act more positively

Question 3

Matching Hypothesis

Answer 3

• We choose people who match our level of attractiveness, rather than the most attractive option
• By opting for partners of similar social desirability to themselves, they can maximise their chances of a successful outcome
  Hypothesis 1: attractive people expect an attractive partner
  Hypothesis 2: couples who are equally matched are happier
  Hypothesis 3: a person rates a potential partner for attractiveness, compares it with their own level of attractiveness

Question 4

Research on the Matching Hypothesis: Walster & Walster

Answer 4

• pts pre-rates for attractiveness & completed a questionnaire
• matched partners based on their data
• rate partners after the dance
• hypothesis not supported, most liked partners were also the most physically attractive

Question 5

Research on the Matching Hypothesis: Bernscheid et al (1971)

Answer 5

• Replicated Walster et al’s study, but allowed pts to choose their partner from people of varying degrees of attractiveness
• supports the hypothesis because pts tended to choose partners whose attractiveness matches their own

Question 6

:( Research contradicting the matching hypothesis: Taylor (2011)

Answer 6

• looked at online dating where people would choose people who are more attractive than them
• suggests real life choices don’t match the hypothesis
• reduces validity

Question 7

:) Research support for the Halo Effect

Answer 7

• people tend to associate attractive people with more political knowledge
• negative implications in politics, people may vote for who they view to be more attractive

Question 8

:) Evolutionary explanation

Answer 8

• White, hispanic, Asian people like characteristics such as big eyes or wide cheekbones
• suggests men look for women who look healthier

Question 9

:( Individual differences

Answer 9

• Physical attractiveness is not the main factor for everyone
• not applicable to everyone
• incomplete