Physical Attractiveness (OCR A-Level Psychology): Revision Notes

9.2.2 Physical Attractiveness

Physical Attractiveness in Relationships

The Matching Hypothesis

Walster et al. proposed the matching hypothesis, which suggests that people are more likely to form relationships with others who have a similar level of physical attractiveness, rather than always seeking the most attractive partner available. This may be because people want to reduce the risk of rejection, believing they are more likely to be accepted by someone who is equally attractive.

Importance of Physical Attractiveness

Shackelford and Larsen found that individuals with symmetrical faces are generally rated as more attractive, as symmetry is believed to indicate genetic fitness. Additionally, people are often drawn to faces with neotenous, or baby-like, features, such as large eyes and small noses, because these features evoke a protective or caring instinct.

The Halo Effect

The halo effect refers to the tendency to attribute positive personality traits to physically attractive people, based on stereotypes. Attractive individuals are often assumed to be kinder, stronger, and more sociable than others, regardless of their actual personality traits.

Evaluation

Contradictions to the Matching Hypothesis

Walster et al.'s Research:

• Point: Initial research by Walster et al. did not support the matching hypothesis.
• Evidence: In a study where male and female students were paired randomly for a dance date, even though they believed they had been matched by a computer, it was found that the 'prettiest' girls were asked out again, even if the boys were not particularly attractive.
• Conclusion: These findings suggest that individuals may not always consider their own attractiveness when choosing a partner, contradicting the matching hypothesis.

Support for Physical Attractiveness Across Cultures

Cunningham et al.'s Study:

• Point: Cunningham et al. provided evidence that physical attractiveness is a significant factor in attraction across cultures.
• Evidence: They found that features such as large eyes and small noses were consistently rated as attractive by males from white, Hispanic, and Asian backgrounds.
• Conclusion: This supports the idea that physical attractiveness plays a role in attraction universally, allowing the findings to be generalised across different cultures.

Research Supporting the Halo Effect

Palmer & Peterson's Study:

• Point: Further support for the influence of physical attractiveness comes from research on the halo effect.
• Evidence: Palmer & Peterson found that physically attractive people were rated as more politically knowledgeable and competent than less attractive individuals.
• Conclusion: This finding suggests that physical attractiveness can influence judgments in important areas like politics, raising concerns about the fairness of the democratic process.

Complex Matching in Relationships

Sprecher & Hatfield's Explanation:

• Point: Sprecher & Hatfield offer an explanation for why research sometimes fails to support the matching hypothesis.
• Evidence: They suggest that people bring various desirable qualities to a relationship, not just physical attractiveness. For example, someone might compensate for lower attractiveness with kindness or intelligence, a concept they refer to as 'complex matching'.
• Conclusion: This evidence challenges the idea that physical attractiveness is the primary factor in attraction, highlighting that other traits are also important.

Support for the Matching Hypothesis

Murstein's Study:

• Point: Murstein provided evidence supporting the matching hypothesis.
• Evidence: In a study comparing photos of 99 dating couples with photos of randomly paired individuals, it was found that real couples were consistently rated as more similar in attractiveness than the randomly paired individuals.
• Conclusion: This supports the matching hypothesis, indicating that people tend to choose partners who are similar to them in terms of physical attractiveness, rather than always seeking the most attractive partner available.