Social Psychology - Lecture Five Flashcards
Interpersonal Attraction
McKnight study
Found that 83% of people met their ‘special partner’ in a familiar social setting, 6% in a casual social setting
Bryne study
Found that people tended to make friends with those whom they were seated beside alphabetically
Why is proximity so important?
Repeated exposure to any stimulus makes it more appealing, we tend to like the things we see often
Mita et al study
Claimed that if it was merely repeated exposure to a stimulus that enhanced our liking then we should prefer photos of our facial images as we see them in a mirror (ie. a reversed photo image). Our friends, however, should prefer a normal photo of our faces (since this, image is the one that they normally see). Results support this view, 70% of people prefer a photo of
their own reversed mirror image, 70% of people, however, prefer the normal photo image of their friends.
Reis (1997) study
Proximity doesn’t always work. Factors such as personality differences, conflict of interests, value differences, status differentials can all lead to antagonism. If the initial interaction is negative and this experience is reinforced then dislike will occur.
Emotional arousal
Research indicates that people who are emotionally aroused rate others as more attractive
White et al study
Found that men who ran on the spot rated women as being more attractive
Dutton & Aaron (1974) study
People anticipating electric shocks rated members of the opposite sex as being more attractive
Attractiveness
Important when it comes to relationships despite people generally refusing to admit it opening
Wakil et al study
Found that out of 32 desirable traits for a partner, mean ranked physical appearance 12th and women ranked it 22nd
Green, Buchanan & Heuer study
Analysed computer dating services, which used photo matching - for both sexes physical attractiveness was the major determining factor of date choice
Walster et al study
Used a dance to assess student’s reactions to their partners on a blind date. Tests measuring scholastic ability, personality and attitudes were presented to all. People rated for attractiveness by independent observers (on arrival). The results showed that the more attractive you were rated by the observers the more you were liked by your date
Sex differences on attractiveness
Men - both heterosexual and gay focused on the physical attractiveness of potential partners.
Women - both heterosexual and lesbian tended to focus on the psychological characteristics.
Whipple (2018) study
Showed 90% of men when approached by an attractive woman would agree to sex,
only 10% of women when approached by an attractive man would agree to sex
Benefits of attractiveness
Adults less aggressive to attractive children.
Attractive people are more likely to be hired for jobs.
Attractive students are more likely to be given better grades.
Facial features men prefer
Childlike profile, big eyes, small nose and chin
Facial features women prefer
Expression of dominance, small eyes, square jaw thrusting chin
Torso men prefer
Medium bust, hips waist and bottom
Torso women prefer
V shaped man, broad shoulders which tapers into small bottom
Age and height men prefer
Younger, smaller women
Age and height women prefer
Older, taller men
Attractiveness and similarity
Many studies shown that people tend to be attracted to others who are similar to themselves, however, the most important determinants are similarity of attitudes, values and activities
Divorce rate 1 in 3
Women often initiate the end of relationships
Women may feel more distressed in conflicted relationships
Women better through: Divorce, Separation and Widowhood
Loneliness
Lonely people can sometimes feel distressed, bored and even depressed.
One effective way of coping is to make something valuable out of the solitude e.g. A hobby, work, studying.
