Week 11 - Interpersonal Attraction

Question 1

Face Similarity vs Non-symmetrical Faces [Perrett et al]

Answer 1

• Presented participants with non-symmetrical and symmetrical faces
• Faces presented side to side and preference judged
• Preferred symmetrical faces

Question 2

Face Symmetry

Answer 2

• Similarity of one side of the face to the other
• One side is like a mirror of the other
  -Physically attractive

Question 3

Why are symmetrical faces more attractive?

Answer 3

• Evolution Theory : motivated to find a partner with strong genes
• Good immune system = produce offspring with this
• Facial symmetry signals gene strength (asymmetry = developmental stress)
• Symmetry suggests strong immune system

Question 4

Other features of males faces (besides symmetry) that we find attractive

Answer 4

• Prominant Brow and cheekbones
• Wide Jaw
• = levels of testosterone , likely to produce strong offspring

Question 5

Other features of females faces (besides symmetry) that we find attractive

Answer 5

• Smooth skin
• High cheekbones
• Levels of oestrogen = healthy offspring

Question 6

Why do people prefer more symmetrical bodies?
[Manning et al]

Answer 6

• Male bodily symmetry = related to sperm speed and num of sperm per ejaculate
• Female breast symmetry = related to breast symmetry

Question 7

Differences in the bodily features preferred

Answer 7

• Women with hourglass shape
  Waist : hip ratio of .70
  = greater reproductive ability [Zaadstra et al]
• Men with broad shoulders and narrow waist
  = strong offspring [Maisey et al]

Question 8

How important is attractiveness on romantic attraction in males and females? [Buss]

Answer 8

• Measured preference for partners to be attractive and have a good financial prospectus
• Males preferred attractive partners
• Females preferred good financial prospects

Question 9

Attraction : Lonely Heart Adverts

Answer 9

[Greenlees and McGrew 1994]
- Men described financial prospects , seemed attractive
- Women described attractiveness , seemed financial prospects

Question 10

Attractiveness in different genders and sexual orientations
[ Lippa 2007 ]

Answer 10

• Stated 3 most important traits for partner from 23
• Men = attractiveness
• Women = money , honesty , fond of children
• Generally consistent between gay and heterosexual ppts
• Gay Men = honesty , age , dependable (less likely looks)
• Lesbian = communication , honesty , intelligence (less likely money)

Question 11

Proximity affecting psychological attraction

Answer 11

• Being physically close = increased likelihood of friends
• Looked at relationship of proximity and friendship in student accommodation - 65% friends lived in same building
• 41% = friends (next door neighbours)
• 22% = friends (2 doors apart)]
• 10% = friends (opposite end of hall)

Question 12

Why is proximity so influential?

Answer 12

• Easier to know , more often you see = more familiar
• Familiar = increased liking [Zajonc]

Question 13

How does familiarity affect interaction?

Answer 13

[Moreland and Beach 1992]
- 4 confederates attended lectures (0,5,10,15 times) but didn’t interact with anyone
- At end of semester given 4 photos of confederates and asked to rate how much they liked them
- Frequency increased liking , preferred even in absence of interaction

Question 14

Psychological Similarity affecting attraction

Answer 14

• [Bryne] Ppts completed attitude measures and read questionnaire completed by target (varied similarity)
• People liked others who were more similar
• Law of attraction [ Clore] : (Attraction is positively associated with similarity between 2 people)