Relationships- Physical Attractiveness, Matching Hypothesis (Factors Affecting Attraction)

Question 1

• Physical attractiveness:

Answer 1

We are more attracted to physically good-looking people. Evolutionary theory suggests this because what we perceive as attractiveness are visible indications of genetic and physical health; for example, facial symmetry, body shape and youth; from an evolutionary perspective, it makes sense to mate with someone capable of conceiving and successfully raising a child and passing on the best genes possible.

Question 2

• Halo effect:

Answer 2

People with the physical characteristic of physical attractiveness are assumed to be successful in other areas of life, i.e. intelligent, hardworking, and sociable. This can result in others interacting more positively towards them, acting as a self-fulfilling prophecy, actually making them more successful.

Question 3

• Matching hypothesis:

Answer 3

• We cannot all mate with the most attractive members of our population.
•We realistically appraise our attractiveness compared to others.
• We look for romantic partners who are at a similar level of attractiveness.
•We avoid the pain of rejection by not chasing partners we see as too attractive.
• We retain our partners by not choosing someone who will leave us for someone else.

Question 4

✅Murstein (1972)

Answer 4

Eight judges rated photographs of each individual from 197 couples according to attractiveness. Found couples were likelier than randomly matched pairs to have a similar attractiveness level. This suggests individuals are highly likely to select partners who are an equivalent level of attractiveness to themselves.

Question 5

✅ validity

Answer 5

It may be that the matching hypothesis theory is becoming more valid, as online dating websites and apps depend heavily on visual cues for partner selection; this may provide more feedback for people to assess their attractiveness rating.

Question 6

❌ Matching hypothesis

Answer 6

may give some explanation for initial partner selection. However, theories of relationship exchange that include potential costs and benefits may better explain mate selection over the long term.

Question 7

The Hypothesis In Stages

Answer 7

1. The more socially desirable a person is in terms of their own physical attractiveness, social standing, intelligence, etc., the more desirable they would expect a dating or marriage partner to be.
2. Couples who are matched are more likely to have happy, enduring relationships than couples who are mismatched in terms of social desirability.
3. A person rates a potential partner for attractiveness, and compares it with their own level of attractiveness.
   This comparison determines whether they will pursue the person as a potential mate.

Question 8

Importance of physical attraction:

Answer 8

Evolutionary explanations of attractiveness state that traits associated with attractiveness act as indications of good health.

Therefore, choosing an attractive partner is the best way of ensuring a healthy partner and a healthy child.

Perceived health is important for two reasons: firstly, that partner is going to be physically able to bear children (women or provide for the family (men); it also means that there is a good chance that the genes that they carry will produce healthy offspring.