The general aim of the experiment was to research into whether people of a 'similar attractiveness' are attracted to others who are of a 'similar attractiveness' to themselves.

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Matching Hypothesis

Abstract

The general aim of the experiment was to research into whether people of a 'similar attractiveness' are attracted to others who are of a 'similar attractiveness' to themselves. This was done by showing photographs of couples that had been cut and asking the participant to rate each person. The scale was from one to ten with one being the highest score possible. The participant did not know who was matched with whom or that they were couples at all. The sampling frame was opportunity sampling. The results were significant and this indicated that people are attracted to people who are of a 'similar attractiveness' to themselves.

Introduction

When we see a person for the first time we make a judgement of their appearance/attractiveness. We then make a decision of whether we are physically attracted to them. The matching hypothesis theory presents the idea of how we are not necessarily seeking to find the most physically attractive person, but an individual who match us in terms of how attractive we consider ourselves to be. The matching hypothesis theory states that we do this as individuals as we fear rejection and negative emotions. Also by doing this there is a balance between partners, neither is 'more attractive' or 'less attractive' than the other.

Walster et al (1966) tested the matching hypothesis theory. He asked students to rate partners who had been randomly selected in terms of interpersonal attraction. A 'computer dance' was advertised and 376 male and 376 female volunteers took part. They were assessed by four judges by their physical attractiveness as a measure of how other people would desire them. Participants then filled out a questionnaire. The students then went to the dance with their randomly paired partner. The most attractive students were liked more by their partners than the least attractive students. The students preferred partners who were more physically attractive not someone matching their own attractiveness. This approach contradicts the matching hypothesis theory.

However Silverman (1971) carried out 'fait accompli' matching, this means matching that has already occurred. The experiment was in a naturalistic setting, i.e., social events, bars, restaurants etc. Couples were observed by two males and two females. The couples were in the age range of 18-22 years old and unmarried. Each observer rated the partner of the opposite sex on a five point scale. There was a high in the similarity of attractiveness in the couples. Silverman also found that the more similar their attractiveness, the happier they appeared with each other, .i.e. they held hands a lot and there was much physical touching. This study does not contradict the matching hypothesis as Walster's approach does.
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Murstein (1972) also researched into the matching hypothesis. He took photographs firstly of 99 engaged or steady couples and then a different sample of 98. The couples had to rate themselves and their partners physical attractiveness. Judges also rated the photographs (without knowing who the couples were) on a point scale of 5. The judge's ratings strongly supported the matching hypothesis. Partner's ratings of each other did not prove significant. Murstein concluded that, "Individuals with equal market value of physical attractiveness are more likely to associate in an intimate relationship..."

I aim to carry out an experiment ...

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