Relationships > Attractiveness > Flashcards

Attractiveness Flashcards

(89 cards)

Study These Flashcards
1
Q

[initial romantic connections] What does attractive mean in the context of initial romantic connections?

A

Easy to say yes to

In early, low-information contexts, women evaluate physical appeal, social normalcy, warmth, and safety.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

[initial romantic connections] In early dating, what matters more than raw sexiness?

A

Broad dateability

Women make fast judgments about various factors beyond just physical appeal.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

[initial romantic connections] When information is sparse, what do strong visible cues indicate?

A

Health, grooming, and clarity

Men benefit more from looking healthy and easy to read than from appearing mysterious.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

[initial romantic connections] What does attractive mean regarding social skills?

A

Socially skilled enough to create momentum

Humor signals creativity, intelligence, and interactional ease, preferred by women in first meetings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

[initial romantic connections] What type of confidence is attractive without triggering threat detection?

A

Calm confidence

Women are sensitive to cues of threat and trustworthiness in attraction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

[initial romantic connections] Attractive means being normal enough to imagine in real life. True or False?

A

TRUE

Humans are biased toward relationship progression once a minimally acceptable threshold is met.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

[initial romantic connections] What is a key factor in being easy to picture on a date?

A

Minimally acceptable threshold

Being relatable can matter more than being maximally distinctive.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

[Longterm romantic connection] What are the key factors in long-term romantic attraction?

A
  • Relationship formation
  • Loyalty
  • Conflict
  • Staying power

These factors contribute to the dynamics of long-term romantic relationships.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

[Longterm romantic connection] In long-term contexts, women show stronger preferences for altruism and prosociality. What does this imply about attractiveness?

A

Attractiveness shifts toward qualities that signal good treatment, investment, and cooperative potential

This indicates that women prioritize traits that suggest a partner will be supportive and nurturing.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

[Longterm romantic connection] Attractive means ‘safe to bond with repeatedly.’ What is crucial for long-term attraction?

A

Trustworthiness, steadiness, and low volatility

These traits become more central than in quick attraction settings.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

[Longterm romantic connection] True or false: The evidence supports a simple tradeoff where women must choose between attraction and goodness.

A

FALSE

Altruistic men are often rated as more desirable, especially for long-term relationships.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

[Longterm romantic connection] Attractive means ‘predictable in a good way.’ What traits rise in value in long-term mating?

A

Traits tied to stability and dependable investment

These traits reduce uncertainty about future costs and future treatment.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

[Short term physical connection] Attractive means ‘someone whose behavior confirms his looks.’ What does this imply about long-term desirability?

A

Long-term desirability increasingly depends on whether the man’s behavior supports the impression his appearance created

Physical attractiveness still matters, but behavior consistency is key.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

[Short term physical connection] What is meant by short-term physical attraction?

A

Attraction in contexts like bars and hookups, driven by immediate visual impact

Physical attractiveness dominates fast dating decisions, emphasizing visual appeal over deeper partner qualities.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

[Short term physical connection] In low-information, high-speed selection environments, attractive means ________.

A

visibly above baseline

Modest increases in perceived physical attractiveness can lead to significant gains in selection success.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

[Short term physical connection] Attractive means distinctive enough to create sexual salience. Why is this important in short-term contexts?

A

It rewards cues that make a man stand out quickly

Stronger physical differentiation and bolder presentation are more beneficial in short-term attraction.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

[Short term physical connection] True or false: In short-term attraction, women are not sensitive to threat cues.

A

FALSE

Women remain sensitive to threat cues, and traits that raise erotic charge can backfire if they increase perceived danger.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

[Short term physical connection] Attractive means having enough boldness to move the interaction forward. Why is this significant?

A

Short-term attraction rewards flirtation and escalation

The smaller window of opportunity means hesitation can lead to lost chances.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

[Crosscutting] How does attractiveness change as the context changes?

A
  • Attractiveness collapses toward visible cues with less information
  • In swipe-based environments, physical attractiveness is prioritized
  • In long-term contexts, altruism and partner-quality traits are more important

The context of mating influences the traits that are considered attractive.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

[Crosscutting] In short-term attractiveness, what traits are more tolerated?

A
  • Polarizing traits
  • Traits that increase salience or sex appeal

Short-term settings can overlook risks associated with certain traits.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

[Crosscutting] In long-term attractiveness, how are merely good-looking men perceived?

A

They are more forgiving if they are high-quality partners

Prosocial behavior can enhance desirability in long-term contexts.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

[Crosscutting] What does initial romantic attractiveness sit between?

A
  • Short-term attractiveness
  • Long-term attractiveness

Early dating rewards a blend of visible appeal and interpersonal safety.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

[Crosscutting] The more time she expects to spend with you, the more attractiveness includes _______.

A

treatment

This reflects a shift towards valuing partner quality in long-term relationships.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

[Crosscutting] Broad success in attraction comes from combining appeal with what three elements?

A
  • Trust
  • Warmth
  • Social safety

This suggests that maximizing dominance or sexual charge alone is not sufficient.

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
[Crosscutting] True or false: **Clarity** beats ambiguity in signaling attractiveness and trustworthiness.
TRUE ## Footnote Clear signals make it easier for women to judge attractiveness, trustworthiness, and fit.
26
[Crosscutting] What is more valuable in attraction than many men think?
**Warmth** ## Footnote Women's long-term preferences for altruism, humor, and trust suggest that being enjoyable and safe to engage with is core to mate value.
27
[Crosscutting] In mate-choice literature, what two types of preferences are consistently distinguished?
* Short-term preferences * Long-term preferences ## Footnote Signals effective in a sexualized, low-information setting may be weaker or counterproductive in a relationship-oriented context.
28
[Crosscutting] Broad success in attraction comes from combining **appeal** with what three elements?
* Trust * Warmth * Social safety ## Footnote This suggests that maximizing dominance or sexual charge alone is not sufficient.
29
[Crosscutting] True or false: **Clarity** beats ambiguity in signaling attractiveness and trustworthiness.
TRUE ## Footnote Clear signals make it easier for women to judge attractiveness, trustworthiness, and fit.
30
[Crosscutting] What is more valuable in attraction than many men think?
**Warmth** ## Footnote Women's long-term preferences for altruism, humor, and trust suggest that being enjoyable and safe to engage with is core to mate value.
31
[Crosscutting] In mate-choice literature, what two types of preferences are consistently distinguished?
* Short-term preferences * Long-term preferences ## Footnote Signals effective in a sexualized, low-information setting may be weaker or counterproductive in a relationship-oriented context.
32
[Faces] What combination of features tends to characterize **broadly attractive male faces**?
* Healthy skin * Lower facial fat * Fairly average structure * Reasonable symmetry * Enough masculinity to look male, but not overly harsh or low-trust ## Footnote This summary is more faithful to the evidence than simplistic notions like 'strong jaw = attractive' or 'symmetry is everything.'
33
[Faces] What features are commonly found in **broadly unattractive male faces**?
* Poorer skin quality * Higher facial adiposity * Less average proportions * Lower symmetry * Cue combinations that read as unhealthy or off-putting ## Footnote These are population-level patterns, not destiny for any one person.
34
[Faces] True or false: The evidence supports **fatalism** regarding facial attractiveness.
FALSE ## Footnote The evidence supports recurring facial patterns, but many strong cues are modifiable, while some factors like extreme masculinity are less decisive than commonly believed.
35
[Faces] Which factors are considered **meaningfully modifiable** in terms of facial attractiveness?
* Skin quality * Facial adiposity * Grooming * Hairstyle * Expression * Lighting * Photo quality ## Footnote These factors can significantly influence perceptions of attractiveness.
36
[Faces] What does **averageness** in facial structure refer to?
Facial proportions closer to the population mean ## Footnote Average faces are often preferred because they are processed fluently and may cue developmental stability.
37
[Faces] True or false: **Better symmetry** is the only factor that contributes to facial attractiveness.
FALSE ## Footnote While more symmetric faces are often rated as more attractive, symmetry may matter less than previously thought when other facial factors are considered.
38
[Faces] What is a major positive cue for male facial attractiveness?
Healthy-looking skin ## Footnote Clearer, healthier-looking skin increases attractiveness ratings and works as an independent visual cue.
39
[Faces] Lower facial **adiposity** is generally rated as more attractive than _______.
higher facial adiposity ## Footnote Puffier, heavier-looking faces tend to be rated lower, while faces at the lower end of the healthy range do better.
40
[Faces] Some **masculine structure** can help in attractiveness, but the evidence is _______.
mixed ## Footnote The association between male attractiveness and masculine facial features is inconsistent across datasets.
41
[Faces] Attractive male faces often balance attractiveness with _______.
trustworthiness ## Footnote People make simultaneous judgments about attractiveness, dominance, and trustworthiness from faces.
42
[Faces] What is the relationship between perceived **health** and attractiveness in male faces?
Closely linked ## Footnote Skin coloration and other health cues affect perceived attractiveness, allowing a face to become more attractive without changing its bone structure.
43
How many **photos** should a Bumble profile ideally have for better attraction?
6 ## Footnote Profiles with 6 photos are nearly twice as likely to get likes compared to those with 3.
44
What does Hinge advise about the **first photo** in a dating profile?
It does most of the work ## Footnote The first photo significantly influences the initial decision in matching.
45
What should the first photo on Bumble ideally feature?
Just you ## Footnote Multiple group photos can create identity confusion and hinder attraction.
46
What does research suggest about showing your **face clearly** in dating photos?
Hidden eyes, shadows, sunglasses weaken attraction ## Footnote Clear visibility is crucial for first-pass attraction and trust judgments.
47
Why should you avoid using **outdated or misleading photos**?
Substantial accuracy gap between self-presentation and outside judgments ## Footnote Older or selectively flattering images may undermine trust and match quality.
48
What is the effect of **overediting** photos on dating profiles?
Increases perceived attractiveness but lowers trustworthiness ## Footnote Overediting can trade realism for a trust penalty.
49
What type of **variety** should be shown in dating profile photos?
Varied photos, not six versions of the same shot ## Footnote Women are interested in both attraction and what kind of life you have.
50
How should **group photos** be used in dating profiles?
For social proof, not status theater ## Footnote A later-slot group shot can show a normal social life but should not dominate the profile.
51
What should you avoid optimizing for in dating photos?
Cool at the expense of dateability ## Footnote Best-performing images balance attraction with authenticity.
52
What can overly posed or emotionally closed-off photos convey?
Weak outcomes in personality and character inferences ## Footnote Stiffness or low warmth can negatively impact perceptions.
53
Why is including a **full-body shot** important in dating profiles?
Reduces ambiguity ## Footnote A fuller picture supports trust and authenticity.
54
What should not be the focus of every photo in a dating profile?
Static solo portrait ## Footnote Profiles should show life, energy, and context for authenticity.
55
What should a dating profile avoid looking like?
LinkedIn ## Footnote Professional presentations may signal competence but lack romantic legibility.
56
What happens when a dating profile looks like a **hookup ad**?
Trust can drop ## Footnote Mainstream app users often screen for both attraction and credibility.
57
Clothing is part of the **signal**, not an afterthought. True or False?
TRUE ## Footnote Clothing changes can significantly alter first impressions, including judgments related to competence and status.
58
What matters more than **labels** when it comes to clothing perception?
Fit ## Footnote The strongest findings in clothing perception are based on how garments fit and present on the body, rather than branding.
59
Do not mistake **harshness** for sex appeal. True or False?
TRUE ## Footnote Visual cues that increase dominance can also increase perceived aggression, affecting trust and broad appeal.
60
Dress for the **social meaning** of the setting. True or False?
TRUE ## Footnote Observers quickly infer social information from clothing, which can affect how an outfit is perceived in different contexts.
61
What should you build to create a good first impression rather than a pile of cool items?
A coherent impression ## Footnote First impressions are holistic; coherence in attire is more important than having standout items in a mismatched look.
62
What should you **not confuse** with aggression?
Confidence ## Footnote Some dominance-related cues can help, but threatening or low-trust signals can decrease attractiveness.
63
In low-information dating decisions, what carries **disproportionate weight**?
Physical attractiveness ## Footnote Recent evidence shows looks outweigh traits like job and bio in swipe decisions.
64
What should you **not act like** after the first screen?
Looks are everything ## Footnote Women's preferences shift toward prosocial and partner-quality traits in long-term contexts.
65
Being 'nice' is not enough if you are **flat**. What trait is linked to mate value?
Humor production ## Footnote Humor signals creativity and social skill, enhancing attraction.
66
Your **insecurity** shows, even when you think it does. What are some behaviors tied to this?
* Neediness * Volatility * Reassurance-seeking ## Footnote These behaviors can leak into interactions, affecting romantic outcomes.
67
Do not overlearn from the '**asshole wins**' story. What do women generally prefer?
Altruistic men ## Footnote Dark traits may attract attention but are not preferred once partner quality matters.
68
Do not assume **friendliness** equals romantic interest. What do men often do?
Overperceive sexual interest ## Footnote Treating ordinary friendliness as attraction can lead to premature escalation.
69
Do not expect **inner virtue** to be visible on first contact. What do first-pass dating judgments rely on?
Visible cues ## Footnote Character does not instantly compensate for a weak initial impression.
70
What is the **maximum number of group photos** recommended for a dating profile?
One ## Footnote Use it later in the sequence to show normal social life rather than status theater.
71
According to Bumble, what should the **first picture** in a dating profile be?
Just of you ## Footnote Starting with multiple faces makes it hard for matches to know who you are.
72
What are the **three jobs** a group photo should do?
* Show social integration * Keep focus on you * Feel current and authentic ## Footnote This aligns with Bumble's guidance to keep profiles mostly solo and varied.
73
What is the recommended number of people in a group photo for dating profiles?
2–4 people ## Footnote More faces increase identity confusion, as inferred from Bumble's guidance.
74
What type of setting is recommended for a group photo?
Real social setting ## Footnote Examples include dinner, rooftop, wedding, concert, or game night.
75
What should you prioritize for **technique** in a group photo?
* Clear face visibility * Good lighting * Sharp image quality * Recent timing * Consistency with current appearance ## Footnote Bumble emphasizes clear pictures where people can see your eyes and face.
76
True or false: You should use **blurry photos** in your dating profile.
FALSE ## Footnote Bumble advises avoiding blurry photos and keeping images current and real.
77
What does the research on dating-photo accuracy suggest about online dating photos?
About one-third are rated as inaccurate ## Footnote Highlights the tension between self-enhancement and authenticity in dating images.
78
What is the **best group-photo formula**?
* One later-slot photo * Small group * Social setting * Good light * Visible face * Coherent outfit * Relaxed body language ## Footnote Aligns with Bumble's guidance for variety and authenticity.
79
What should you **avoid** in your group photo?
* Making it your first photo * Using more than one group photo * Sunglasses or hats obscuring face * Huge crowds * Wedding-party type shots * Blurry nightlife shots * Old photos with significant changes ## Footnote Bumble and Hinge warn against hidden-face, unclear, or outdated images.
80
What is the **highest-percentage group photo** recommendation?
You in a dark, fitted evening outfit, outdoors or in warm indoor lighting, with 2–3 friends, smiling or mid-conversation ## Footnote Should clearly show you as the focal person.
81
What is the practical rule for a group photo in a dating profile?
Answer 'he has friends and a life' without making her work to figure out which man she is evaluating ## Footnote This emphasizes clarity and focus in the photo.
82
What is the **top-tier trait** that was ranked as highly helpful in all three scenarios of attraction?
Calm confidence ## Footnote It signals high mate value, low desperation, emotional control, and social competence.
83
Which trait is described as having a strong impact on **initial**, **long-term**, and **short-term attraction**?
Good facial attractiveness / photogenicity ## Footnote It helps a lot in initial and short-term attraction, and somewhat in long-term attraction.
84
What body type is considered a strong trait across all contexts of attraction?
Lean / fit body ## Footnote It contributes positively in every scenario, especially in short-term attraction.
85
Which grooming aspects are noted for their reliability in improving first impressions?
Grooming / clear skin / neat hair ## Footnote This trait helps a lot in initial attraction and is consistent across contexts.
86
What type of clothing is mentioned as positively impacting attraction across scenarios?
Well-fitting clothes / style coherence ## Footnote It boosts visible competence and enhances existing physical traits.
87
What trait is highlighted as one of the best non-physical traits for attraction?
Strong humor / playful banter ## Footnote It helps both attraction and comfort in all scenarios.
88
Which trait is considered the **most universally valuable** across all three scenarios?
Calm confidence ## Footnote It helps get initial interest, maintain attraction, and support sexual momentum.
89
What cluster of traits is identified as the **most universally improvable**?
* Grooming * Fit body * Style coherence * Humor * Calm confidence ## Footnote These traits are realistically modifiable and yield the best return on investment.
Relationships
flashcards
Decks in class (27)
# Cards
Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2026 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions