Physical attraction

Question 1

Physical attraction

Answer 1

Physical attractiveness affects attraction in romantic relationships , what is considered to be physically attractive will vary across culture and time. Physical attractiveness is important for men choosing female partners in the short term and long term and also for females looking for male partners in the short term however not so much in the long term.

Question 2

The halo effect

Answer 2

This is when the general impression of a person comes from one characteristic alone (such as physical attractiveness). Physically attractive people are seen as more optimistic, sociable, trustworthy and successful.

People tend to behave positively towards those who are physically attractive which creates a self fulfilling prophecy as physically attractive people behave more positively due to the positive attention they receive.

Question 3

Evaluation of the halo effect

Answer 3

+) Palmer and Peterson found that physically attractive people were rated to be more politically knowledgeable. The halo effects was so powerful it even lasted after participants were told that the physically attractive person has no expertise in politics.

-) Towhey asked male and female participants how much they liked a person based on a photograph, participants also completed a MACHO scale which measures sexist attitudes and behavior. It was found participants who scored higher on the macho scale were more effected by physical attractiveness. Those who scored low on the test were not effected by physical attractiveness. This suggests that physical attractiveness is moderated by other factors such as personality.

Question 4

The matching hypothesis

Answer 4

When initiating romantic relationships people seek partners who have the same social desirability as them. Physical attractiveness is a major factor in choosing potential partners as it is an accessible way for each person to rate the person as a potential partner before pursuing a relationship. Most people would want to be in a relationship with a physically attractive person but in order not to be rejected they will approach someone of the same physical attractiveness as them.

Question 5

Evaluation of the matching hypothesis

Answer 5

+) Fangold found some evidence in a meta analysis of 17 studies using real life couples that establishes a string correlation between the partners ratings of physical attractiveness as suggested by the matching hypothesis.

• ) Walster invited 752 students to a dance party and randomly matched them with a partner, they were also secretly judged by a panel rating them on physical attractiveness. 4 - 6 months later they were asked if they wanted to go on a date with their dance partner and whether they found them attractive. Students expressed higher appreciation of their partner if they were physically attractive regardless of how physically attractive they are which goes against the matching hypothesis.
• ) sometimes a very physically attractive person will form a relationship with an unattractive person, often a rebalance of traits will occur ie the unattractive person has a good personality or being rich. This is called complex matching in which a physically attractive person forms a relationship with an unattractive person.