Evaluation

• Research support for intersexual selection - Clark and Hatfield (1989) conducted a survey across a university campus where psychologists approached students and asked 3 questions (Will you go on a date with me tonight?) where 50% of females and males both responded positively. When asked "will you come back to my apartment tonight?", 6% of females responded positively and males 69%. When asked "will you go to bed with me", 0% of women provided a positive response and 75% of male responses were positive. This supports the idea that women are more picky at choosing males.
• Counterpoint for intersexual selection: Agrues that Clark and Hatfields study was too simplistic where strategies are likely to differ according the the length of a relationship. Buss and Schmitt (2016) argues that males and females adopt similar mating strategies when seeking long term relationships. Characteristics including loyal and kind proposes nuanced view of how evolutionary pressures influence partner preferences taking into account context of reproductive behaviour.
• Research support for intrasexual selection: Evidence present to support sexual selection theory from a survey carried out by Buss (1989) of over 10,000 adults in 33 countries. They were asked questions about attributes evolutionary theory predicts importance in partner preference. Buss found that females regarded resource related characteristics such as ambition and finance valued whereas in males, physical attractiveness and youth were valued. These findings reflect the consistent biological sex differences supporting predictions from sexual selection theory and was studied on a large scale.
• Social and cultural influences underestimated: Partner preferences have recently changed influenced by social norms. They develop much faster than evolutionary time scales come about due to cultural factors. (lacks temporal validity) Women have a greater role in the workplace and are no longer dependent on men to provide. They may have changed their preferences to not be resource orientated anymore. (Bereczi et al 1997). It also does not consider homosexual couples and other reasons. (therefore not generalisable).