Physical attractiveness

• what is physical attractiveness as a factor of physical attractiveness


  How appealing we find face, agreement globally + within what’s attractive (e.g symmetrical face)

  Assume we seek relationship with most attractive person availiable
• what is a baby face (neotenous) as a factor if physical attractiveness 


  separated large eyes, delicate chin, small nose.

  triggers protective and caring instinct, valuable recourse for female wanting reproduction
• what is the halo effect as a factor if physical attractiveness


  Attractive people rated as: kind strong social, unattractive rated opposite.

  Theory we overestimate qualities of attractive people because of looks
• what is the matching hypothesis as a factor if physical attractiveness


  We dont choose most attractive person but person who matches us in physical attractiveness.

  We take account our own attractiveness when mating.
• Strength of physical attractiveness 


  support study for halo effect by palmer + peterson. Found attractive people rated more politically knowledgeable than unattractive people. Attractiveness important in formation and opinions
• weakness of physical attractiveness 


  individual differences in terms of importance people put on this. Towhey gave participants photos of strangers and asked to rate them. found attractiveness more important for sexist people. so depending on person attractiveness may not be a factor but matching hypothesis says its main factor.
• Weakness of physical attractiveness

  Walster invited 752 students to dance party and randomly matched to partner (who were rated by judges and matched on attractiveness). Found that when asked students preferred more attractive people which doesnt support hypothesis