Investigating the validity of the matching hypothesis.
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)
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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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 the partners, which were then rated for attractiveness by independent judges. A significant correlation was found between the ratings of the couples. This procedure has been repeated and demonstrates its findings to frequently yield the same conclusion (Price & Vandenberg, 1979; Critelli & Waid, 1980; Feingold, 1981).
My study shall be based on Murstein's methodology. My experimental hypothesis is that couples will correlate in their scores for physical attractiveness.
Method
Participants
The sample was composed of 40 students from the University of Warwick, 20 males and 20 females, between 18 and 24 years of age. Equal numbers of male and female participants were used to counter the effects gender may place on perception of physical attractiveness. The subjects participated in the study on a voluntary basis and were an opportunity sample.
Materials
Two consent forms including a brief about the experiment and the participants' role within it was provided for the couples being rated and the independent judges, (see appendix A and B.)
Separate colour photographs were taken from the neck up of each member of ten long term heterosexual couples using a digital camera. Long term was defined as courting for 6months or over. These couples were told their photograph would be rated for physical attractiveness by independent judges and that the results would be recorded for a psychological investigation, anonymously and confidentially.
Each photograph was printed on a separate sheet of paper and divided into two groups according to sex (see appendix C.)
Paper and pens were used for the subjects to record their ranking order of physical attractiveness for the male and female groups. Microsoft excel was used to format these results (see appendix D.)
SPSS (version 10) software was used to calculate the data set.
Design
The enquiry was a correlation study, exploring the relationship between the two variables of physical attractiveness of an individual and the physical attractiveness of their partner. Spearman's rho statistical test was used to calculate the data set because the study was a correlation design and the data was ordinal.
Procedure
Participants were asked for full informed consent (see appendix B). They were aware they could withdraw from the study at any point and were provided a chance to clarify any issues they found confusing. They were then taken into a secluded room to prevent any external interference. Photographs were pre-organised into two piles, male and female, although within these groups the order was random. A brief was given of the ranking procedure,
"Please rank the photographs in each pile in order of physical attractiveness, position 1 being the least attractive and 10 the most attractive."
Participants were given unlimited time to complete the task. After recording the results, the subjects were given a verbal debriefing on the nature of the investigation.
"Our study is investigating the theory that when seeking a partner we tend to go for those that match us in terms of physical attractiveness. The 20 photographs we asked you to rank were 10 long term couples. With your results we are going to see if the rank position you gave for the male of the couple is the same as the rank position you gave to the female. If so then it seems our hypothesis is correct. Thank you for you participation. If you wish to get in contact with any of us feel free to." (We then handed over our email address.)
Once the data set was complete, the results were correlated and analysed using Spearman's Rho statistical analysis.
Results
Raw data is avalible in appendix D
Spearman's rho
Male Rank
Correlation Coefficient
.000
.297
Sig. (2-tailed)
.
.405
N
0
0
Female Rank
Correlation Coefficient
.297
.000
Sig. (2-tailed)
.405
.
N
0
0
Table 1: The correlation coefficient of similar attractiveness in long term couples
There appears to be no significant correlation between the mean average attractiveness ranking of the males and females involved in interpersonal relationships.
Figure 1. Scatterplot of the correlation between mean male and mean female rankings for each couple.
The data in Figure 1 shows a general positive relationship between partners physical attractiveness. However, the regression line is not steep, indicating the relationship is weak. Furthermore, the data is ill fitted to the regression line, suggesting possible anomalous results.
Discussion
The results in table 1 exhibit an insignificant correlation coefficient (rho:0.297.) We can also see from figure 1 that whilst couples 1, 2, 3, 4, 7, 8 and 10 match within 2 rank positions, indicating a slight relationship between attraction and physical similarity, couples 5, 6, and 9 are considerably uncorrelated. Furthermore, due to the small sample size of photographs used, within 2 rank positions may suggest matched physical attractiveness, when in actual fact it is probable there are vast jumps between the positions. Due to the findings of this study we must reject the working hypothesis that there is a relation of physical similarity between individuals engaged in a long term relationship.
As this study suggests physical similarity doesn't denote itself as an important mate selection criteria, we may therefore be assured that appearances aren't all that matter. In fact, a plethora of empirical documentations have shown that matching of personal characteristics is a more reliable determinate of attraction in long term relationships. For example, Newcomb (1961) provided students with rent-free accommodation in exchange for completed questionnaires concerning attitudes and values. Over the course of the
attraction between the students were closely measured. The results conclusively showed that attraction was ultimately determined by similar pre-acquaintance attitudes, adhering to the balance theory. Brynes repeated findings that matched attitudes is important in relationships led him to form a "law of attraction" - that attraction bears a linear relation to homogenous attitudes. This is a logical implication as agreement is an affirming experience. Furthermore in order to sustain a relationship communication is necessary. If we have little in common with our partner we may lose interest.
Linked to the importance of similarity, the social exchange theory purports close interpersonal relationships are formed on the basis of rewards partners can bring to each other. By striking a value match, individuals seek the partner they believe to be the most realistically rewarding they could hope to find (Thibaut and Kelly 1959; Berscheid and Walster 1978.) In some instances the reward may be physical appearance, explaining the slight correlation found in the results, however personality and social outlook tend to be viewed as stronger and often greater rewards. Furthermore these rewards can be counterbalanced, completing the equity theory that rewards should be contributed equality by each partner to avoid unfairness, for example one of the partners may be highly attractive and of average intelligence, whilst the other is average attractiveness and highly intelligent.
Despite the general support for homogeny in relationships, another theory offering an explanation for the results is the notion of needs complimentary. This states in short that "opposites attract" as different characteristics can "compliment" each others psychological needs (Winch, 1958.) For example a dominant person may seek a submissive person or visa versa. However there is little experimental documentation to support this notion. It is more probable that complimenting develops later in courtship as each member of the relationship takes their role. (Rubin 1973)
Even though there are theories offering explanations for the results of this experiment, I still feel there is evidence within society pointing us to the matching hypothesis of physical similarity. I therefore look to the experimental design to see if there are any reasons for inaccurate results. Firstly the matching hypothesis depends on the individual's self-evaluation (Leonard 1975.). If a person has low self-esteem, it is likely that they will seek a partner who is below their own "market value." As we only had a small sample of couples, it is possible a few individuals who judged themselves to be lower than they actually are have affected the total findings. Hence for future studies I would increase the sample size. Secondly, even though we only used long term couples, we weren't really aware of the level of commitment. If the couples were only casual, the criteria used is generally less tied to their own "market value." As all the couples were students at the same university they may have been dating for six months, but due to the structure of terms, it is possible they were only actually together for four months. If I were to repeat this study I would raise the definition of long-term to 1 year or over. Thirdly, the photographed individuals may not have been accurately represented in the picture resulting in inaccurate ratings. In a future study this extraneous variable could be reduced by presenting a number of photographs of the same individual to the ranking procedure.
Due to the findings of this experiment, it would be interesting to include personality assessments to the procedure. We would therefore be able to see if there is a correlation between similar personalities in cases where the couples didn't match in physical attractiveness.
Refernces
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* Critelli J W, & Waid L R (1980.) Physical attractiveness, romantic love, and equity restoration in dating relationships. Journal of Personality Assessment, 44, 624-629.
* Feingold A (1981.) Testing equity as an explanation for romantic couples "mismatched" on physical attractiveness. Psychology Reports, 49, 247-250
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* Walster E (1970.) The effect of self-esteem on liking for dates of various social desirabilities. Journal of Experimental Socail Psychology, 6, 248-253
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