The Matching Hypothesis Flashcards
What does the matching hypothesis suggest?
That people who are in relationships with each other are similar to each other in many ways
Who proposed the matching hypothesis?
Walter et al
What are the 2 specific hypotheses?
The more socially desirable an individual is, the more desirable they would expect a partner to be
Couples who are well matched are more likely to enjoy and enduring and successful relationship than those who are not well matched
What does murnstein state?
That dm individuals initial attraction is based upon cues of social desirability
What is a major determinant of courtship behaviour?
Physical attraction
What is the initial attraction based upon?
The comparison of own attractiveness and the attractiveness of the target individual
What is the value match?
A compromise between our ideal and what is available
Why perfect match not perfect?
Aim for perfect match because if aimed for perfect there may be a fear of rejection which we try and reduce
3 researchers?
Walter et al
Murnstein et al
White et al
Walter et al?
Ppts took part in a computer dance
When bought ticket-asked to fill in a detailed questionnaire about themselves -told info would be fed into a computer and match them for their ideal date but matching done at random
Met partners beforehand
As questionnaire was completed, unseen observer matched them for physical attractiveness
During break, were asked how much they liked their partner
Results showed the most liked those who had similar level if attractiveness to them
Murnstein et al?
197 college couples who were ‘going together’/engaged/were new couples
Asked them to rate physical attractiveness of themselves and partner
Found that couples who shared a similar level of attractiveness were more likely to form intimate relationships
Suggests matching play a significant role in formation of relationships
White et al
Measured relative physical attractiveness of 123 couples in various stages of a relationship-casually dating/seriously dating/cohabiting/engaged or married
9 month follow up showed that similarity of attractiveness was predictive of courtship progress for those who had been initially casually/seriously dating
5 evaluation points?
Supporting research
Too simplistic
Gender differences
Are the individuals themselves the only ‘marchers’ prac apps
