Investigating the validity of the matching hypothesis.

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PS109 Practical Report

Investigating the validity of the matching hypothesis.

Alina Eagle

Department of Psychology, University of Warwick

Abstract

The aim of the study was to examine the validity of the matching hypothesis. This theory suggests that we tend to form loving relationships with people perceived as being a similar level of attractiveness to ourselves. Ten heterosexual long term couples aged 18-24 were photographed individually. These pictures were then divided into groups according to their sex and were ranked separately in order of physical attractiveness by 40 independent judges (20 male and 20 female) aged 18-24. The results were then analysed using Speaman's rho statistical test to discern whether there was a significant positive correlation between the physical attractiveness of an individual and their partner. There was no significant correlation suggesting that when seeking a partner we don't look for those who match us in physical appearance.

Introduction

It is evident that every culture has an impression of physical beauty. Furthermore it is clear that these popular standards are powerful. Members of certain cultures even disfigure their bodies in order to enhance beauty. In our society numerous people undergo cosmetic surgery, tattooing, piercing, whilst certain tribes in Papuanewguinea practice lip and neck stretching. But why do people go to such extremes? Why is appearance so important? In short it is because we have a disposition to assume ones exterior is a reflection of the total person. Hence those who are viewed as physically attractive are also assumed to be generally attractive (Brigham, 1971.) Due to the "halo effect," (the tendency to form an overall impression on the basis of one outstanding characteristic,) we often ascribe positive characteristics such as being sexually warm, sociable, dominant, of good mental health etc to physically attractive people. This is not totally unjustified as beautiful people tend to receive positive attention helping them to develop self-esteem and self-confidence in social situations (Goldman & Lewis 1977.)

Experimental documentations have confirmed the importance of physical attractiveness in first impressions. One study set up a "computer dance" in which freshmen were randomly assigned a date. When asked if they liked their partner and whether they would re-date them, the key determinate of each person's desirability was the level of physical attractiveness (Walster et al 1966.)

While beauty is a desirable quality in a partner, if all of us sought the most attractive companion, we would be repeatedly rejected and very few relationships would actually form. Instead it appears that we compromise and seek partners that match us in terms of physical attractiveness. This theory is known as the matching hypotheses.

"Similarity in attractiveness between two partners is important. Research has supported the matching hypothesis that people tend to relate to people who are approximately equal to them in evaluated beauty... in the abstract we may prefer the most attractive person, but in reality-based settings we choose someone who is close to our own level of attractiveness" (Deaux & Wrightsman, 1984, pp 148-149)
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These claims are readily supported by an abundance of empirical observations (Bercheid & Walster, 1974; White 1980; Feingold, 1981.) For example, an adaptation of the "computer dance" (Waslter 1969) asked students to indicate what sort of partner they would like and were allowed to meet them before the dance. This procedure encouraged reflection on the qualities they require from a partner. Results showed students expressed the most liking for those who matched them in physical attractiveness, contradicting the original findings.

Murstein (1972) carried out his study on actual long term couples. Separate photographs were taken of ...

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