Physical attractiveness

• physical attractiveness

  • symmetrical faces are considered attractive as it is a sign of genetic fitness
  • neotenous (baby-like) features are rated as attractive as they trigger a caring instinct (e.g. small nose, big eyes)
• halo effect

  people who are considered physically attractive are usually assumed to have other desirable qualities such as honesty and friendliness.

  'what is beautiful is good.'
• matching hypothesis

  we tend to choose partners who are of a similar level of physical attractiveness to ourselves rather than the most attractive option possible.
• research on the matching hypothesis

  Berscheid et al

  replicated the computer dance study.

  students were rated for attractiveness and then allowed to choose their own partners.

  the study found that participants selected partners who were of similar attractiveness
• strength - research support for the halo effect

  Palmer + Peterson

  found physically attractive people were rated as more politically knowledgeable and competent than unattractive people.

  persisted even when participants knew that these 'knowledgeable' people had no particular expertise.

  suggests there are dangers for democracy if politicians are judged by their looks.
• strength - evolutionary explanation

  Cunningham et al

  found that women who had features of large eyes, prominent cheekbones, small nose and high eyebrows were rated as highly attractive by white, Hispanic and Asian men.

  concluded that what is considered physically attractive by different societies.

  Attractive features (symmetry) are a sign of genetic fitness and therefore are seen similarly in all cultures.
• limitation - research against matching hypothesis.

  not supported by real world research into dating.

  Taylor et al.

  studied activity logs of a popular online dating site.

  real world test of the matching hypothesis

  researcher found online daters sought potential partners who were more physically attractive.

  this undermines the validity of the matching hypothesis
• counterpoint - online dating

  Feingold

  carried out a meta-analysis of 17 studies and found a significant correlation in ratings of physical attractiveness between romantic partners.

  just because online daters seek more attractive partners does not mean they get them.