Lesson 1: Psychology of Attraction

Question 1

meaning of symmetrical face?

Answer 1

• face is balanced: left mirrors right
• golden ratio (avg. 1.6 when length/width)

Question 2

why is symmetry attractive?

Answer 2

• healthy
• genetically reliable (abled kids/no miscarriages)
• reproduction

Question 3

evolutionary advantage theory: what do men find attractive?

Answer 3

• fertility/health
• estrogen=less prone to disease: large eyes/lips, arched brows, small chin, high cheekbones
• clear skin/youthfulness
• hourglass figure = less struggle w/ conceiving

Question 4

evolutionary advantage theory: what do women find attractive?

Answer 4

• security/protection/good father to kids
• testosterone: facial hair, square jaw, deep voice, broad shoulders, height
• resourceful: education, wealth, status, power
• older

Question 5

flaws of evolutionary advantage theory (6)

Answer 5

• heteronormative
• stereotypes tht males are superficial nd females r golddiggers
• doesn’t apply to everyone (not all want kids)
• no longer need partner for kids
• neglects personality
• preferences change over time

Question 6

cognitive bias

Answer 6

• one trait used to make overall judgement
• bias based on how you think
• accents/handwriting

Question 7

halo effect

Answer 7

• view someone positively bc they’re attractive
• criminals: public approval
• jobs: job security, favouritism, networking, high salaries
• politics: knowledgeable, leadership, competent

Question 8

horns effect

Answer 8

• view attractive person negatively
• medical: good looking = less mental illness
• friendships/relationships: jealousy
• jobs: taken less srsly

Question 9

similarity between men and women regarding goals in evolutionary psychology theory

Answer 9

both want healthy partners

Question 10

difference between men and women regarding goals in evolutionary psychology theory

Answer 10

• women: look for stability after reproduction
• men: look for reproduction