Relationships - formation

Question 1

Murstein (matching hypothesis)

Answer 1

• photos of steady/engaged couples compared with random couples (individuals)
• real couples consistently judged to be more similar in attractiveness
• suggests couples are similar in attractiveness

Question 2

Silverman (matching hypothesis)

Answer 2

• matching already occured
• observed in naturalistic dating settings
• observer team - 2 males, 2 females
• each observer independently rated partner of opposite sex
• high degree of similarity between attractiveness of couple members
• shows couples tend to be similar in attractiveness
• when more similar in attractiveness tended to be happier, reflected by degree of intimacy

Question 3

Price and Vandenburg (matching hypothesis)

Answer 3

correlation of .39

Question 4

Critelli and Waid (matching hypothesis)

Answer 4

correlation of .53

Question 5

Feingold (matching hypothesis)

Answer 5

• meta-analysis of 17 studies

- inter-partner correlation for attractiveness was higher for couples than pairs of friends

Question 6

Kerckhoff and Davis (filter model)

Answer 6

• longitudinal study with students
• complete questionnaires over 7 month period
• asked about attitude similarity and personality traits shared with partner
• attitude similarity was important for first 18 months, after which ability to match each other’s needs became important
• support for filter 2 and 3

Question 7

Sprecher (filter model)

Answer 7

• found couples who were matched in similar attractiveness, social background and interests were more likely to develop long-term relationship
• evidence for filter 1 and 2

Question 8

Newcomb (filter model)

Answer 8

• free accommodation to male students, randomly allocated
• stable relationships developed between those with similar backgrounds and attitudes
• second year, different participants
• one half paired for similar backgrounds and interests, other half very different
• found familiarity rather than similarity was a key factor, similarity overridden so does not support model
• friendships rather than relationships
• use of volunteers, more outgoing so find it easier to make friends