Relationships - 2. Factors Affecting Attraction in Romantic Relationships: 2. Physical Attractiveness Flashcards
What ‘effect’ is related to physical attractiveness?
The Halo Effect
What does the Halo Effect state?
People that have attributes that society deems to be attractive are said to be successful and more appealing in all aspects of their lives
Research into the Halo Effect
Dion et al found attractive people are consistently rated as successful, kind and sociable compared to unattractive people
What does the matching hypothesis suggest?
Suggests we evaluate our own looks and this influences who we become attracted to
Simple def of matching hypothesis
We only go for people who we believe are in our league due to the fear of rejection
How is our choice of partner a compromise according to the matching hypothesis?
We balance the need for evolutionary and biological satisfaction with avoiding being rejected by an individual who is out of our league
Who developed the matching hypothesis?
Murstein
Who carried out research into the matching hypothesis? When?
Walster et al (1996)
Method used by Walster et al in their research into the matching hypothesis
Advertised a computer dance for freshers on the first week at the University of Minnesota
376 males and 376 females volunteered
4 independent judges secretly rated the students in terms of attractiveness whilst collecting their tickets
Participants filled in a questionnaire and was told the data would be used to determine the similarities between males and females, to find a partner for the dance.
Pairing, however, was done completely randomly.
During intervals at the dance, and 4-6 months later students were asked whether they found their partner attractive and whether they would like to go on a date with them.
Results of Walster et al’s research into the matching hypothesis
Partners responded more positively to others who had been rated as physically attractive, irrespective of their own level of attractiveness
Conclusion of Walster et al’s research into the matching hypothesis
Matching hypothesis wasn’t supported by this study. Students expressed high appreciation of their partner if their partner was attractive, regardless of their own level of attractiveness.
