RELATIONSHIPS ( PHYSICAL ATTRACTION) Flashcards
Define the Matching Hypothesis theory ( Walster and Walster)
Claims that when people look for a partner for a romantic relationship , they tend to look for someone whose social desirability approximately equals their own.
According to this view must first assess their own ‘value’ and the select who is most socially desirable potential partners , by opting for partners of similar desirability ( in their league) they can maximise their chances of a successful outcome.
Outline the Walster key study and evaluate if it supports the matching hypothesis
The computer dance study ( walster 1966)
Students 177 males and 170 females bought tickets to a welcome week tickets for a computer week.
They were told that info they gave about themselves would be put into a computer and provide an ‘ideal match’. In fact the matching was done randomly.
Findings did not support the matching hypo. Once ppts met their dates and regardless to their own attractiveness they responded more positively to physically attractive dates. Other factors such as personally , intelligence did not affect any subsequent attempts to date them
HOWEVER a further study in 1969 Supported the matching hypothesis
Participants met before the dance and chase who to dance with. This made circumstances more similar to everyday life.
The findings this time did support the matching hypothesis , as pp did prefer someone who matched their even perceived physicall attractiveness . It had greater ecological validity
