Physical attractiveness

• What is often viewed as a sign of health and genetic fitness in terms of physical attractiveness?

  Symmetrical faces
• How does evolutionary theory explain the perception of attractiveness?

  It suggests that good-looking people are deemed more valuable as mates
• What do people pay attention to when choosing a partner according to the study material?

  Physical attractiveness
• What was the aim of the study conducted by Bobst & Lobmaier (2012)?

  To find whether males showed a preference for female faces in different menstrual phases
• What were the two phases of the menstrual cycle examined in the study by Bobst & Lobmaier (2012)?

  Follicular (fertile) and luteal (non-fertile) phases
• What did the findings of Bobst & Lobmaier (2012) suggest about men's preferences?

  Subtle shape differences in faces trigger men's preference for women in the fertile phase
• What is the Halo Effect in the context of relationships?

  It is the tendency to view physically attractive individuals positively in other aspects of their life
• According to Dion et al (1972), how are attractive people rated compared to unattractive people?

  Attractive people are rated as more successful, kind, and sociable
• What does the Matching Hypothesis propose?

  People choose romantic partners who are roughly of similar attractiveness to themselves
• What must individuals assess before choosing a romantic partner according to the Matching Hypothesis?

  Their own value in the eyes of a potential partner
• What was the method used by Walster et al (1966) to test the Matching Hypothesis?

  They advertised a "computer dance" for new students at the University of Minnesota
• How many males and females participated in Walster et al's (1966) study?

  177 males and 170 females
• What did Walster et al (1966) find regarding attractive individuals and their responses to dates?

  Attractive individuals responded more positively to physically attractive dates
• What was a limitation of Walster's initial research on the Matching Hypothesis?

  The measurement of attractiveness was not reliable
• What did Feingold (1988) find in his meta-analysis regarding attractiveness in romantic partners?

  There was a significant correlation in attractiveness ratings between romantic partners
• What did Palmer & Peterson (2012) find regarding the Halo Effect?

  Physically attractive people were rated as more politically knowledgeable and competent
• Why is the Halo Effect considered dangerous for democracy according to the study material?

  Because politicians may be judged solely on their physical attractiveness
• What are the individual and cultural differences in preferences for partners?

  • Individual differences: People show preferences for different partners.
  • Cultural differences: Beauty standards vary from culture to culture.
• How can the Halo Effect influence the justice system?

  • It can lead to biased judgments based on physical attractiveness.
  • It may affect the fairness of legal proceedings.
• What is the Halo Effect in the context of relationships?

  It is the tendency to view someone positively in various aspects of their life based on their physical attractiveness.
• How does the Halo Effect influence perceptions of trustworthiness and sociability?

  Attractive individuals are more likely to be viewed as trustworthy or sociable due to the Halo Effect.
• What does the Halo Effect suggest about judging individuals?

  It suggests that people judge someone overall based entirely on one trait, such as physical attractiveness.
• What did Dion et al. (1972) find regarding attractive people?

  They found that attractive people are consistently rated as successful, kind, and sociable compared to unattractive people.
• What does the Matching Hypothesis propose?

  It proposes that people choose romantic partners who are roughly of similar attractiveness to themselves.
• According to the Matching Hypothesis, what must individuals assess before choosing a partner?

  Individuals must assess their own 'value' in the eyes of a potential romantic partner.
• Why do individuals opt for partners of similar social desirability according to the Matching Hypothesis?

  To maximize the chance of a successful outcome and avoid rejection or embarrassment.
• What was the method used by Walster et al. (1966) to test the Matching Hypothesis?

  • Advertised a "computer dance" for new students at the University of Minnesota.
  • 177 males and 170 females were randomly selected to participate.
  • Participants completed a questionnaire to assess personality and intelligence.
  • Data was used to allocate ideal partners randomly.
• What was the outcome of Walster et al.'s (1966) study regarding attractiveness?

  Attractive individuals responded more positively to physically attractive dates and were more likely to arrange further dates.
• What was a limitation of Walster's initial research on the Matching Hypothesis?

  The measurement of attractiveness was not reliable.
• What did Feingold (1988) find in his meta-analysis regarding attractiveness in romantic partners?

  He found a significant correlation in ratings of attractiveness between romantic partners.