Factors affecting attraction : Physical attractiveness

    Cards (27)

    • What is one strength of research related to the halo effect?
      There is research support for the halo effect.
    • What did Peterson's research find about physically attractive people?
      They were rated as more politically knowledgeable and competent.
    • What implication does the halo effect have for politicians?
      Politicians might be elected based on their physical attractiveness.
    • What does the halo effect demonstrate in real-life situations?
      It shows that physical attractiveness can influence perceptions.
    • What is one limitation of physical attractiveness in attraction?
      Not everyone considers physical attractiveness important.
    • Who were more influenced by physical attractiveness according to Abbey's study?
      Those who scored highly on the MACHO scale.
    • What does Abbey's study suggest about individual differences in attraction?
      There are individual differences in the importance placed on physical attractiveness.
    • What is mixed support for the matching hypothesis?
      Initial studies found students preferred more attractive partners.
    • What did Feingold's meta-analysis find regarding actual partners?
      It found a significant correlation in ratings of attractiveness between partners.
    • What does Cunningham et al.'s research suggest about cultural consistency in attractiveness?
      Large eyes, small noses, and prominent cheekbones are rated as attractive across cultures.
    • What did Wheeler and Kim find about perceptions of attractive people?
      They judged attractive people to be more trustworthy and friendly.
    • What did Taylor et al.'s research on online dating reveal about the matching hypothesis?
      It found that online daters sought partners more attractive than themselves.
    • What does the consistency in dating choices suggest about physical attractiveness?
      It suggests that physical attractiveness is culturally independent.
    • How does the matching hypothesis explain partner selection?
      We choose partners whose attractiveness matches our own.
    • What is the significance of symmetry in attractiveness according to Shackelford and Larsen?
      Symmetrical faces are rated as more attractive and signal genetic fitness.
    • What are neotenous features thought to trigger?
      Protective and caring instincts related to attachment formation.
    • What did McNulty et al. find about the importance of physical attraction after marriage?
      Initial attractiveness continued to be important after marriage.
    • What does the halo effect describe?
      It describes how physical attractiveness is generalized to other positive attributes.
    • What did Dion et al. find about physically attractive people?
      They are rated as kind, strong, sociable, and successful.
    • What does the matching hypothesis suggest about partner selection?
      We choose partners that match our level of attractiveness.
    • What is the compromise suggested by the matching hypothesis?
      We assess our own attractiveness to choose a partner of similar attractiveness.
    • What evolutionary explanation is given for physical attractiveness?
      We have evolved a liking for attributes that signal high quality.
    • What are the key factors affecting attraction in romantic relationships?
      • Physical attractiveness
      • The halo effect
      • The matching hypothesis
      • Individual differences in attractiveness perception
    • What are the implications of the matching hypothesis?
      • Partners are chosen based on similar attractiveness levels
      • Balancing attractiveness with the risk of rejection
      • Cultural consistency in attractiveness preferences
    • What are the strengths and limitations of the halo effect in attraction?
      Strengths:
      • Research support for the halo effect
      • Observed in real-life situations

      Limitations:
      • Not everyone values physical attractiveness
      • Individual differences in sensitivity to attractiveness
    • What are the evolutionary explanations for physical attractiveness?
      • Symmetry as a signal of genetic fitness
      • Neotenous features triggering protective instincts
      • Evolutionary basis for preferences in attractiveness
    • How does physical attractiveness influence longer-term relationships?
      • Initial attractiveness remains important after marriage
      • Attractiveness affects perceptions of trustworthiness and kindness