Formation: Matching Hypothesis Flashcards
What is the Matching Hypothesis?
claim that relationships form on the basis of similarity, in particular attractiveness
What is value matching?
idea that we form relationships with a partner of similar attractiveness to us, we are aware of our attractiveness so we act realistically, avoiding rejection
What are the 3 parts within the matching hypothesis?
couples will be similar level of attractiveness, couples who are well matched more likely to be happier than mismatched couples, those of higher attractiveness will have higher expectations of their partner’s attractiveness
Why does physical attractiveness become a major determinant of courtship desirability?
indicator of underlying health/good genes
Who conducted a study using photographs to give support for couples being of a similar level of attractiveness?
Murstein 1972: photographs of faces steady/engaged couples were compared with random couples, seen independently, real couples consistently judged more similar (0.38 vs 0)
Who conducted an observation study of couples which show support for couples being of similar attractiveness?
Silverman 1971: 18-22yrs couples observed on naturalistic date setting, 2m2f observed and independently rated the partner of opposite sex, high degree of similarity between couple members
Who conducted a meta analysis which also shows support for couples being of similar attractiveness?
Feingold 1988: 17 studies, 0.39 for couples (0.49 after correction for attenuation -measurement error), romantic couples also similar in self rating of attraction
What other findings from Silverman’s 1971 study provide support for couples who are well matched in attractiveness are happier?
more similar their attractiveness = higher degree of intimacy = happiness, 60% v similar, 46% m similar, 22% low similar
In what way are the results of Murstein and Silverman open to interpretation? How does Feingold solve this?
Both subject to independent differences but Feingold corrects for attenuation
What is the evidence that the matching hypothesis ignores cultural differences?
developed in US where relationships chosen but Broude and Greene (1983) found that 130/142 cultures have arranged marriage elements and UNICEF 2012 found 55% worldwide marriages arranged - MH cant explain arranged
How could the matching hypothesis be adapted to explain role of attractiveness in arranged marriages?
Parents who arrange the marriage may take into account their child’s attractiveness and use as factor for finding a partner
How is the matching hypothesis too simplistic?
Obviously range of other factors that affect choosing a partner, otherwise research correlations would have been perfect
What research explains how other factors involved in the formation of relationships could fit into the idea of value matching?
Buss and Shackleford 2008: very attractive women choosier than less in regard to attractiveness but also to good parenting indicators, income and being loving - so match on other factors like personality
What is the practical application of the matching hypothesis (not just attractiveness, other factors as well)?
Could help people be more realistic about romantic pursuits, improve attractiveness or develop other desirable qualities (factor in on dating websites)
