Factors affecting attractiveness :matching hypothesis + Halo effect

Question 1

Attraction

Answer 1

-We are most attracted to those who are physically good looking
-E.G good facial symmetry, physical indications of health and signs of good genes or resources as we want the best possible genes for our offspring

Question 2

Halo effect

Answer 2

-Halo effect suggests that people who are more physically attractive are also assumed to be successful in other parts of life i.e intelligent, hardworking and sociable
-This can lead to people having more positive interactions with them, resulting in them actually becoming more successful

Question 3

Matching hypothesis

Answer 3

Matching hypothesis comes about because we cannot all mate with the most attractive members of our population
-We realistically appraise our own level of attractivenss and look for a romantic partner that we see as the same level of attractiveness
-We avoid the pain of rejection by not chasing those we see as too attractive and we retain our partners by choosing someone who will not leave us for somebody else

Question 4

Research evaluation (similarly rated photos of couples Murstein (1972))

Answer 4

-Murstein (1972) used photographs of couples, photographs of each partner alone were used so the person could be rated individually
-Judges rated the individuals based on attractiveness
-They found that photographs of couples were consistently rated similarly compared to randomly matched pairs
-This supports the matching hypothesis theory that people are more likely to look for romantic partners that they believe to be the same level of attractiveness as themselves

Question 5

Research evaluation (feingold (1988)) supporting research meta analysis

Answer 5

-Feingold (1988) conducted a meta analysis reviewing the results of studies done on the matching hypothesis
-he found an overall positive correlation between attractiveness levels of couples

Question 6

negative evaluation of matching hypothesis

Answer 6

-Matching hypothesis may provide an explanation for initial attraction, but an explanation entailing the potential costs and benefits of a relationship may be more valid for longer lasting relationships